THEATER:Music and comedy take center stage

The name of the Huntington Beach Playhouse’s new production is “Lend Me a Tenor,” but it might as well be “Lend Me a Comedy.”

That’s what the Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) of Huntington Beach High School did, in effect. The APA’s production of the Ken Ludwig farcical comedy — which opens Friday — had only been scheduled for one weekend, but the playhouse needed a quick replacement after the show originally scheduled to run, “The Royal Family,” was canceled.

So, “Tenor” shifted bag and baggage from the school auditorium to the Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, where it’ll be staged for three weekends. Call (714) 375-0696 for ticket information.

Meanwhile, APA director and musical director Tim Nelson and actor/writer Scott Ratner will be unveiling their original musical- comedy-mystery, “Murder on the High Cs” this weekend.

The APA program is well represented with all four teachers from the musical department aboard. Nelson and Diane Makas headline the show as a married couple sailing on the cruise ship SS Van Dine with a phantom murderer on board.

“It’s a hilarious whodunit reminiscent of ‘Ten Little Indians’ meets ‘The Love Boat’ with a musical emphasis,” Nelson said. “Lots of APA alums are in the show, along with parents Gale Bull and Brent Weber.”

Nelson says he’s “been in a composing frenzy and finished the score last week.” Ratner contributed the book and the creators collaborated on the lyrics.

“We’re having a ball, and it’s really funny,” he added.

Other cast members include Dale Jones, Shirl Stewart, Michael Cook, Erin Bull, Dolores Fitzpatrick, Valerie Speaks, Jenny Powell, D Pull, Ren Lescault, LongCao, Harry Ratner, Courtney Davis and the “Twilight Trio” of Jennier Simpson, Melinda Messenger and Brittany Beaudry.

Performances will be given at the new Rose Center Theater on All American Way in Westminster. Tickets, at $17 for adults and $12 for students, may be reserved by calling the theater at (714) 793-1150.