If you’re a singer, then you know how important a big break can be. For many performers, it’s not so much talent, but being at the right place at the right time, that makes a star. Ask Max, the lead character in Ken Ludwig’s comic play “Lend Me a Tenor,” being performed by the Belfast Maskers through Feb. 4 at the Railroad Theatre in Belfast.

When a famous Italian tenor comes to a gala event at the Cleveland Opera, Max, an amateur singer who lacks self-confidence, is appointed watchdog by Saunders, the show’s sponsor and Max’s future father-in-law. Wherever Tito Merelli the tenor goes, so goes Max. Plus he must keep Tito away from women and booze until that night’s grand performance of “Otello” is done.

Max is an exemplary host, until Tito inadvertently swallows a megadose of sleeping pills and says a big buona notte . Max and Saunders think Tito is dead, but can’t afford to announce that to the audience. And so, being at the right place at the right time, Max is forced into stardom. Not his own, of course. With the help of a wig and flowing Moorish gowns, he becomes Tito dressed as Otello, and the show goes on.

A madcap series of who’s-on-first-type humor ensues, and more than one singer finds out a little something about the importance of being earnest.

Although this is not one of the Belfast Maskers’ strongest productions, it is filled with priceless moments. The script is simply a riot, both in the situations it contrives and the witticisms it employs. There’s no lack of farcical spark in the play’s language, but the performers never quite fire themselves up to the breakneck speed that is the bedrock of this type of comedy. Director Robert Hitt might have pushed this capable company harder on this point and thus assured optimal fun for the audience.

As it is, “Lend Me a Tenor” has some yawns in it, but not enough to compromise the spirit of the show. This is the Belfast Maskers, after all, and that means there’s almost always something worthwhile going on. Whatever might be missing in terms of professional attack is more than made up for in natural charm and good humor.

John Gelsinger appropriately plays Max as a wiry underdog. His leading woman is played with a cutesy-pie whine and I’ll-get-my-way grin by Tracy Lord. Richard Tourigny does some great double takes as Tito, but-a could-a stand-a to-a loose-a some-a that-a un-a-convincing-a accent.

As the bellhop who wants a photo op with the star, Bill Nelson is wry and often hilarious. Diana Coller Wilson and Linda Parent take on bit parts with sparkle.

The most memorable performances of the show are given by supporting cast members Dennis Harrington, as Saunders, and Jaci Sieben, as Tito’s voluptuous and volatile wife, Maria. Harrington has none of the corporate stiffness or subtle tyranny of a man in charge. Instead, he packages Saunders in a New Jersey tough-guy act. He’s part mobster, part Archie Bunker, and it works. As Maria, Sieben lights up the stage every time she walks on. Talk about forte. This woman has energy, talent and unfailing comic ability.

The art deco set by Susan Weinz and Greg Marsanskis, and the elegant costumes by Nell Moore uphold the Maskers’ tradition of doing it right and doing it well when it comes to looks.

“Lend Me a Tenor” will be performed 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday through Feb. 4 at the Belfast Maskers Railroad Theatre in Belfast. For information, call 338-9668.