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Two young actors will bring to life 16th Ave Theatre’s hilarious new comedy in their first performances on a public stage.
Tauranga’s Maisie O’Rafferty, 26, has the lead role of Jo in Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Soprano, which will run from November 20 to December 5.
She studied for two years at Bay of Plenty Actors Studio (BOPAS), Tauranga’s screen acting and performing arts school, before securing the role.
Castmate, Tauranga Boys’ College Year 12 student Ollie Padlie, 16, has the role of Jerry Wiley, which he described as “very silly”.
“I think he’ll definitely be a crowd favourite. He’s hilarious. His comedic timing is impeccable. I think everyone will enjoy watching the antics that Jerry gets up to,” Padlie said.
The fast-paced play, directed by Ali Young, is set in America in 1934. Cleveland Grand Opera Company is preparing for a high-stakes, one-night-only performance and follows Lucille Wiley, played by Sarah Bate, the opera company’s manager.
World-renowned – and notoriously temperamental – soprano Elena Firenzi, played by Eryl Raymond, arrives scandalously late with her wildly jealous husband, played by Alan Baker, and chaos explodes, triggering a domino effect of misunderstandings and mishaps!
O’Rafferty’s role of Jo is Lucille Wiley’s capable yet underestimated assistant who steps up to save the day.
O’Rafferty said it felt “almost surreal” to win the lead role.
She said 16th Ave had a good support network to make her feel comfortable.
“It’s kind of like a family, a community of people that come together and just kind of look after one another.”
Young brought in intimacy coaches to help the cast with scenes.
“Ali’s amazing at ensuring we’re comfortable and able to do stuff as actors.”
Tauranga resident Eryl Raymond, playing Elena, and Alan Baker, playing Pasquale, in Ludwig’s Lend Me a Soprano. Photo / Luxford Photography
O’Rafferty said Jo is a character she can relate with. “Other people have told me they can see a lot of her in me, and that can make the character really be brought out on stage.
“Just knowing that I’m someone that can bring that energy when I’m coming to a stage like 16th Avenue [makes me happy].”
Padlie said Jerry Wiley will be his first acting gig outside of school.
“At school I’ve done many productions ... The Addams Family, Cinderella, Footloose. I’m gonna be doing Annie next year,” he said. “I’ve studied drama ever since Year 9.”
This comedy was a chance to do something different, he said.
“It’s an interesting experience not doing it with classmates and meeting new people of all different ages. Everyone here is older. I’ve got to meet some newish to theatre, and some who’ve been acting for decades.”
Padlie said that gave him the opportunity to learn from those with experience. “I’m super excited to finally be able to show my talents and the craft that I’ve worked so many years on, and to show that to such a wide audience and in a different setting.”
Young said audience-goers will have a hoot at the comedy. “They can expect an absolute laugh-a minute show full of mistaken identities, misadventure and crisis.”
Lend Me a Soprano runs from November 20 to December 5 at 16th Ave Theatre. Tickets are for sale from $20 each plus a booking fee at: www.iticket.co.nz.