POCATELLO — Pocatello’s Westside Players Nonprofit Community Dinner Theatre wraps up its 27th season with Lend Me a Tenor, a screwball farce by Ken Ludwig, which runs Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, at The Warehouse, 1009 S. 2nd Avenue in Pocatello.

“Lend Me a Tenor” received nine Tony Award nominations and won three, and has been performed in 22 countries. Critics have called Ludwig’s script “the perfectly structured farce” and “reality on steroids.” With memorable characters and whacky situations, the audience has trouble catching its breath.

Everyone who is anyone in Cleveland in 1934 is anticipating the performance of world renowned tenor Tito Merelli in his greatest role--Otello. Saunders, the opera’s producer has given his assistant, Max, the job of welcoming Tito “Il Stupendo” Merelli, and getting him onstage ready to sing when the curtain goes up. Maggie is Max’s girlfriend and his boss’s daughter but she’s also Merelli’s biggest fan and wants more than an autograph. The tenor’s fiery wife Maria is travelling with him to curb his many appetites. They’re joined by Julia, star-struck president of the opera guild; a singing bellhop who “auditions” for Merelli every time he enters the hotel suite; and Diana, Cleveland’s most ambitious soprano, who is sleeping her way through the company and doesn’t intend to skip the star. What’s the worst thing that could happen to young Max: Tito Merelli could die? Maggie could have an affair with Merelli? For a while, it looks like both have happened but Max’s operatic talent and the courage he finds in love and music makes everything right in the end.

Philip Shepherd directs Kyle Anderson as Max; Lacey Taylor as Maggie; Mike Czerepinski as Saunders; Trent Clegg as Tito; Timmia Costin as Maria; Diana Potter as Julia; Shawn Siler as the Bellhop; and Tara Babcock as Diana. Vintage 1930s costumes are coordinated by Jackie Czerepinski. Set construction is by Dale Spencer, Lighting and Sound by Mikel Mecham, with hair and make up by Joey Hensen.

During the run of Lend Me a Tenor, Café Tuscano will be serving: Roast Pork Loin with Mango Chutney; Roast Turkey and Dressing; Mashed Potatoes and Gravy; Green Bean Casserole; Three Bean Pasta Salad; Mixed Garden Salad; Fresh Baked Rolls; Orange Dreamsicle Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Reservations can be made with or without dinner.

Award-winning watercolorist Barbara Swanson is the lobby gallery artist this fall. Inspired by her travels, Swanson produces “colorful, representational paintings, which are crisp and fresh, emphasizing dramatic color and design.” Swanson has paintings in many permanent collections including the Marshall Public Library and Idaho Power’s Corporate offices in Boise. Come and meet the artist and enjoy her work at a champagne and appetizer reception beginning at 6:00 p.m. on opening night, Friday, Oct. 4.

Call The Raven’s Nest for reservations at 232-2232. Tax is included in all prices: dinner & show: $30; show only: $15. ISU Students with valid ID: $5 for show-only. If patrons have special mobility or visual needs, let the Raven’s Nest staff know when you call. For all things Westside, visit westsideplayers.org and Facebook at Westside Players Pocatello.