They say it isn’t over until the fat lady sings — but in Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Soprano, the real chaos begins before a single aria is heard. This sharp, gender-swapped reimagining of Ludwig’s farce Lend Me a Tenor takes operatic disasters to new heights (and decibels). With a cast of eccentric characters and Ludwig’s signature rapid-fire pacing, Lend Me a Soprano, directed by Vincent Worthington, produced by Kimberly Kemp, and stage managed by Juliana Gedney, delivers a fast-paced evening of theatrical mayhem that proves the show must go on — and hilariously will go on.
Lend Me a Soprano demands a great deal of energy and impeccable timing, and these actors did not disappoint. Deb Hansen, as the overstressed, controlling opera manager Lucille Wylie, was particularly compelling; her frantic energy fueled much of the comedic tension at the start of the show. Her natural ability to command the stage ensured that her character’s high-strung antics were always engaging and consistently funny. Hansen’s portrayal of Jerry’s mother demonstrated subtle authority, effortlessly conveying the character’s dominance with every raised eyebrow and knowing glance. Through her commanding presence, it became clear who was truly in charge of the family dynamic, despite the chaos around her. Meighan Hogate, as Jerry Wylie, played the whiny, put-upon adult son, and was both hilariously sympathetic and comically exasperating. You can never be sure if he’s in love with love, or in love with his fiancée Jo, played by Betsy Muratore, who accurately portrayed the desire of a devoted assistant to become an operatic diva. Muratore highlights this moment when she shows Jo’s relish in the status change from mouse to lioness.
Cecilia Zugel commands the stage as the larger-than-life soprano Elena Firenzi, striking the perfect balance between operatic grandeur and comedic absurdity. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular — she captured the complexities of her character with remarkable depth while still managing to deliver the humor with perfect precision. Even more exciting were Zugel’s gorgeous vocals. Her operatic voice was absolutely breathtaking, with a range and clarity that transported the audience straight into the world of high art. What truly stood out, however, was her flawless delivery of the Italian text. The precision with which she articulated each word, coupled with her impeccable accent, added a layer of authenticity to her portrayal that truly elevated the performance. Dialect coaching for this production was provided by Ivy Elizabeth.
Andrea Pajarillo, as the adorable bellhop, was an absolute charm to watch. With her bright-eyed optimism and endearing innocence, she perfectly captured the character’s naivety, making her both lovable and effortlessly funny. Each time she appeared on stage, Andrea’s enthusiasm and eagerness to please injected a refreshing burst of energy into the production. Robert Poston’s portrayal of Leo, the egotistical tenor, perfectly captured the character’s inflated sense of superiority with every arrogant glance and pompous gesture. Poston steals scenes with his suave, slightly clueless tenor persona. Jeremy Gordet, as Pasquale, the jealous husband of Elena, manifested the highs and lows of a typical macho husband who loves his wife but struggles with trust.
Carolyn Corsano-Wong’s performance as Julia is nothing short of perfection. She fully inhabits the role, bringing a rich depth to Julia’s complex blend of ambition and desperation. Every gesture, every line was infused with a meticulous attention to detail — whether she was simmering with jealousy, delivering biting sarcasm, or attempting to navigate the chaotic world around Miss Val’s costume design for Lend Me a Soprano is a standout element that enhances both the humor and energy of the show. The costumes feature bold colors, elegant gowns, and crisp tailoring that capture the era and reinforce the characters’ personalities, elevating the farce without overshadowing the story. Elena, the diva soprano, enters the scene in a black, Morticia-like gown that foreshadows things to come! In contrast, Jo, the practical stage manager, wears simple, smart attire, grounding her character amid the chaos. As the farce unfolds, the costumes adapt, heightening the comedic moments — whether through exaggerated details or visual gags, each piece supports slapstick humor and physical comedy. Miss Val’s designs are not only visually striking but also deeply connected to the characters, making them a perfect fit for this chaotic, hilarious production.
Vincent Worthington’s set design for Lend Me a Soprano cleverly complements the play’s farcical style while making the most of ARTFactory’s smaller yet intimate space. The set consists of 1930s hotel suites, complete with multiple doors, period furnishings, and plenty of visual texture, functioning as both playground and pressure cooker for the characters’ escalating antics. Scenic elements are thoughtfully layered without overwhelming the space, allowing for the precise choreography of entrances, exits, and narrowly missed encounters. In a venue where the audience is never more than a few feet from the action, the design team successfully creates a world that feels both polished and delightfully immersive.
Lend Me a Soprano is a delightful evening of theater that delivers big laughs in a small space. Ken Ludwig’s script remains a masterclass in farce, and this production rises to the challenge with sharp direction, standout actors, and smart, resourceful design. The ARTfactory’s intimate venue heightens the sense of being swept up in the backstage madness, making every misstep, disguise, and operatic outburst feel both immediate and hilariously real. Whether you’re an opera aficionado or simply a fan of well-executed comedy, this fast-paced romp hits all the right notes.
Content advisory: Mild language, sexual situations, discussion of overdose and self-murder.
Running Time: Two hours with a 15-minute intermission.
Lend Me a Soprano plays through June 22, 2025, presented by the ARTfactory, performing at the Wind River Theatre, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA. Tickets are $28.29 and available online. Elevator access is available to patrons.
The cast and creative credits for for Lend Me a Soprano are online here.
Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Soprano
Directed by Vincent Worthington