Summer production delivers laughs for good cause
Wood Dale residents are once again being invited to lend their ears and their laughter to Peter Verdico.
Beginning Friday, July 29, Stage Right Productions, in conjunction with the Church of the Holy Ghost Council of Catholic Women, presents Ken Ludwig’s comedy “Lend Me a Tenor.”
“It’s been kind of a labor of love, if you will, for a good cause,” said Verdico, founder of Stage Right Productions and a parishioner at the Church of the Holy Ghost in Wood Dale.
As part of the church’s annual fundraiser, the production is sure to make members of the surrounding communities chuckle.
The show opens Friday, July 29, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 7, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. while Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.
Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” is a screwball comedy Verdico describes as “farcical and door slamming.”
Set in Cleveland in 1934, renowned performer Tito Merelli, played by Verdico, is hired for a one-night performance of “Othello.”
“Unfortunately before he even leaves his room chaos ensues,” Verdico said.
Merelli passes out after consuming a cocktail of wine and tranquilizers, causing Stage Manager Max, Patrick Tierney, to believe he is dead. In a panic, Max decides to impersonate Merelli onstage as Othello.
Naturally, when Merelli comes to, “high jinx of mistaken identity ensue,” Verdico said.
The eight-person professional cast will showcase their talents at the Center for the Performing Arts at Wood Dale Junior High, 655 N. Wood Dale Road, with a ticket price of $20.
The fundraising tradition began in 2003 after Verdico’s performance in “Over the River and Through the Woods” sparked interest among fans at the Church of the Holy Ghost.
“Some of the women in the council approached me after Mass one Sunday, saying they were doing a fundraiser and wondering if I could stage the play for them,” Verdico said.
Over the past eight years the event has gained tremendous popularity within the community through musicals such as “Gypsy” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” as well as comedies like 2010’s “Moon Over Buffalo.”
“And you know what happens when something goes good,” Verdico said. “They ask you to do it again.”
Though the money raised from ticket sales benefits the Church of the Holy Ghost, the 25 women of the Council of Catholic Women are extremely dedicated to ensuring the event’s success.
“We, as women, try to be good to each other and put out a good example by loving one another and doing good deeds,” said Emily Parks, a member of the Council of Catholic Women’s production publicity committee.
Along with organizing the annual event, the council also helps in the church’s food pantry and provides breakfast for the homeless at a monthly PADS program.
In years past, the summer production has drawn audiences of close to 1,200 for the show’s six performances, Parks said.
“I think we’ve done well in the past,” said Parks, who has been on the Council of Catholic Women for two years. “I hope we do this year too.”
Verdico, who was previously the proprietor and artistic director of Stage Right Dinner Theater at Giorgio’s Banquets in Wood Dale, says he’s confident in the production despite the cast having a limited time period to prepare.
He’s done all of this before.
“We did ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ about 15 years ago at the Stage Right Dinner Theater and it was very well-received,” Verdico said.
Verdico even was able to recruit Dinner Theater cast member Stephen Connell to reprise his part as Saunders, as well as actress Caron Buinis, who plays Maria and has previous experience with the role.
“I think all the relationships in the play are great,” Verdico said. “The eight people in the play all have very distinct and vital roles.”
If you go
What: Lend Me a Tenor, presented by Stage Right Productions and the Church of the Holy Ghost Council of Catholic Women
When: 8 p.m. for Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. for Sunday shows, July 29 to Aug. 7
Where: Center for the Performing Arts at Wood Dale Junior High, 655 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale
Cost: $20
Info: (630) 860-2975