By STU CLAMPITT
news@readthereporter.com
Sometimes in December, you might enjoy a little entertainment that is not wrapped in tinsel or blinking lights. If so, go enjoy some comedy that has no holiday message at all with the Carmel Community Players’ (CCP) production of Moon Over Buffalo, staging Dec. 8 through 17 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel.
According to director Elizabeth Ruddell, Moon Over Buffalo originally starred Carol Burnett when it opened on Broadway.
Ex-Hollywood star George Hay takes out his frustration on his lawyer Richard as his actress wife Charlotte and Company manager Paul look on. (From left) Brian Sprayue, Tonya Rave, Jason Creighton, and Grant Bowan. (Photo provided)
“It’s about these two actors that didn’t quite make it in Hollywood and they are touring the country with their show, and that’s why they’re in Buffalo,” Ruddell told The Reporter. “It’s all about the hijinks that ensues with them and their company when they find out that they might have one less crack at fame and fortune.”
Ruddell played a role in this show a few years ago, and it struck a chord with her.
“It’s all about show business people,” Ruddell said. “We’re a rather crazy bunch, so it seemed to me it would just be absolutely perfect for Carmel.”
Ruddell said she has found a great cast with whom rehearsals have been fun for everyone.
“It has just been a joy,” Ruddell said. “The one secret about comedy is that you don’t play it for laughs. You have to absolutely believe that it’s happening. What makes it funny is that the actors believe what’s going on. You don’t just do punchline and punchline because that’s not funny. It’s funny when everybody sees you in the situations.”
Ex-Hollywood stars Charlotte (Tonya Rave) and George Hay (Jason Creighton) practice their swordplay to prepare for their roles in Cyrano de Bergerac. (Photo provided)
Comedy tends to defy expectations. When you think something is going in one direction and it suddenly shifts, catching you off guard, that’s where the laughs live.
In this case, CCP is also defying the expectations of December audiences by offering them a show that has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas and everything to do with the simple joy of a good story, building good memories, and an evening shared.
In the end, that’s mostly what Christmas should be about anyway.
This December, Ruddell and her cast are ready to help you escape the onslaught of holiday branding while they spread a little joy to audiences.
“I’ve just been blessed with the cast from heaven; it’s wonderful,” Ruddell said.
As opposed to the cast from Buffalo.
