Curtain Call: In defense of live performance

I understand there are people in this world who aren't interested in seeing live theater. I'm so sad for these people; really, they're missing out on so much. If any of you are reading, I have the perfect show for you to see, and I'm going to attempt to convince you to see it, right now.

It's called "Lend Me a Tenor," and it runs through Sept. 21 at The Players Theatre. Full disclosure: I’m actually in it. But if it weren't absolutely appropriate to recommend it to you theater virgins out there, I wouldn’t even mention it. So, to push you outside your comfort zone, I’m going to teach you a little about theatre so you understand why you should experience this show and more live shows in general.

Firstly, this is a play. I know, I know; musicals always get the major attention, what with the singing and the dancing and costumes and such, But there's no reason plays should be given lower billing. You’ll watch a two-hour movie and think nothing of it. This is no different. Except in live performances, the actors have to be in character at all times. The next time you go to a show (hopefully it’ll be this one), look at a character who isn’t talking. That other actor is in the moment, and that’s impressive. No shutting off the camera for another take or shooting from a different angle for these performers. Also, some of you will be happy to know that this play is completely show-tune free. And it goes full speed the entire time with quick, humorous dialog.

Second, this show is a farce. Now, what’s a farce, you might ask? (just go with me here; some people don’t know what a farce is) A farce is defined as a comic, dramatic work that uses buffoonery and horseplay and typically includes crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations.

Everyone wants to laugh — to forget about their daily struggles, so instead of watching reruns of "Family Guy," you can come see this instead. An added bonus is that you still care about the characters. It’s funny and sometimes silly, but there's a realness that makes it endearing.

Lastly, the show is full of talented, recognizable faces from the Sarasota theater community. Jeffery Kin, the artistic director of The Players Theatre plays the lead role of Max, along with Berry Ayers, sometimes known as Beneva Fruitville, playing an Italian opera singer. The rest of the cast have impressive resumes under their belts as well.

I guarantee you’ll enjoy it, and if you like this, maybe you’ll see other live performances. Maybe you’ll start to take dates to the theatre instead of to the movies. You’ll make a night of it and you’ll have so much more to talk about. You can always rent that movie from RedBox in a few months, and every time you pop it into the DVD player, it will show the same exact same performance. You'll always get a slightly different show with live theatre. This is definitely one of those shows that varies a little every night — in a good way.