Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo came to Broadway in 1995, starring Carol Burnett in her return after a 30-year absence.
One of Ludwig’s numerous farces, Moon Over Buffalo follows patterns of jealousy, drinking, frantic misunderstandings, and a celebrity audience member – all of which appear in some of his earlier plays. Add in an untimely pregnancy, a deaf old lady, some delicious Irish coffee, and jokes about Buffalo (my home town!) and you have a road map for confusion, mayhem, and many good laughs.
Directors Dani Lopez-Roque and Kelly Keller’s troupe of actors and actresses cover all of Ludwig’s bases as they spin out the tale of two aging actors – George and Charlotte Hay – at the bottom level of their careers, treading the boards in lowly Buffalo, but still hoping for that big break to come along.
Sean Berne and Zoe Haillin star as George and Charlotte Hay in Mud Creek’s Moon Over Buffalo. (Photo by Sunspot Photography – Erin Keller)
Sean Berne and Zoe O’Haillin are well-matched as the couple – perhaps because they are truly coupled in life! Their energetic, over-the-top choices fit the script perfectly. Berne does a highly paced vigorous portrayal, loaded with bits and pratfalls. Ms. O’Haillin, while a good deal more demure, does her part to lend chaos through her character, especially using her expressive facial gestures and piercing voice.
Veteran actress Jean Adams does her turn as Charlotte’s mother Ethel with excellent timing as she has some of the best and gentlest laugh-lines in the show. The Hays’ well-grounded daughter Rozalind is brought to life by Chrizann Taylor with even styling. Jeff Haber adds his clownish Howard (Rozalind’s almost fiancé) to his growing list of performances, as does Michael Marshall (Rozalind’s other almost fiancé) with a lively Paul. Anabella Lazarides is cute and funny as Eileen (Howard’s next fiancée) and Craig Kemp completes the cast as lawyer Richard (Charlotte’s almost next husband). Even the backstage crew adds to the fun with their flamboyant set-change antics.
Chris Bundy’s five door set works well for the farcical action, Karen Webster-Cones’ costumes add the right touch, and props by Eric Bowman are plentiful and proper.
Bottom line: Directors Lopez-Roque and Keller have put together a production brim full of comedy – physical, visual, spoken, and showy. With their energetic cast delivering it all at top-speed, the show moves from moment to moment in a happy madcap blur.
Moon Over Buffalo continues at Mud Creek Players through May 4. You can find more info about reservations, the theatre’s location, and the company’s upcoming schedule by going to mudcreekplayers.org.
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