It’s 1953 in Buffalo where actors George and Charlotte Hay are fading faster than a New York minute. Their struggle to keep their name in lights has them performing Cyrano de Bergerac and Private Lives in tandem on the repertory theatre circuit. If fighting for their professional survival wasn’t enough, their marriage is on a downward slope. And, making matters even more desperate, their daughter is soon to marry outside of the land of thespians as she is engaged to, of all walks of life, a weather man. There seems to be a break in the storm, however, when word arrives that a Hollywood director is coming to see their performances. Will the band of performers be able to change their course?
Taking the stage as George and Charlotte Hay are Town’s own version of the Lunts, Bill DeWitt (Baskerville, White Christmas) and Kathy Hartzog ( Driving Miss Daisy, Always… Patsy Cline). Colorful characters joining the Hays in the green room of the Erlanger Theatre include Charlotte’s hard of hearing mother, Ethel, taken by Karen Herschell ( The Red Velvet Cake War, My Fair Lady). Their daughter Rosalind, former actress-seeking a- “real-world-job,” is played by Allison Allgood ( The Game’s Afoot, A Christmas Carol ). She is engaged to David LaTorre ( The Wizard of Oz, Bright Star), the rather nervous and excitable forecaster. Company manager Paul, who happens to be in love with Rosalind, is portrayed by Joel Yarborough (Mamma Mia, Spamalot). What farce would be complete without a little scandal? This one is courtesy of the ingénue Eileen, taken by Zanna Mills (The Play That Goes Wrong, The Music Man) and the Hay’s lawyer, Richard, in the hands of Steve Reeves ( The Odd Couple, Arsenic and Old Lace). If you enjoy a good belly laugh, Moon Over Buffalo is sure to hit the mark. If you’re an actor, have even been on the stage, or one day aspire to take a turn on the boards, then you’ll love it even more. This comedy classic represents some of the ridiculousness of those entrenched in the world of theatre.
The show runs January 19-28 with 7:30 p.m. performances Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sunday matinees. Visit towntheatre.com for details.
Moon Over Buffalo is directed by Allison McNeely. Dell Goodrich serves as costumer with set design by Bob Branham, light design by Jeremy Hansard, and stage management from Kerry McGregor. The show is sponsored by Genesis Studios and Total Comfort Solutions.
Leave a Reply