Moon Over Buffalo - Music Theater of Connecticut

Moon Over Buffalo, the Ken Ludwig comedy, is receiving a crackling production at the Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC).  The madcap show will keep you chuckling and smiling throughout.  The play is more of an old-school farce, relying on physical comedy, improbable situations, broadly stylized antics and, of course, a lot of slamming doors.

Rod Brogran and Anna Holbrook in Moon Over Buffalo.

The action takes place backstage at a rundown theater in Buffalo, New York.  Past-their-prime actors George Hay (Rod Brogran) and his wife Charlotte (Anna Holbrook) are mustering the energy to put up two shows but, while attempting to do so, must contend a with bevy of distractions.  They include their harried stage manager Paul (Matt Mancuso); Charlotte’s wise-cracking, hard-of-hearing mother Ethel (Jo Anne Parady); and Eileen (Olivia Fenton), a pregnant cast member.  Add to the mix the sudden appearance of the Hay’s daughter Rosalind (Allie Seibold).  She was once a member of the acting troupe and romantically involved with Paul, but is now engaged to Howard (Ted Gibson), a fresh-faced, weatherman.  Rounding out the mix is Richard (Jim Schilling), the family lawyer, who pines for Charlotte.

 

The silliness and zany antics between the characters comes to a head when members of the cast learn that famed movie director Frank Capra is coming to town to see George as a possible replacement for Ronald Coleman in a new Hollywood blockbuster.

Matt Mancuso and Rod Brogran in Moon Over Buffalo.

Ludwig’s slightly off-center love letter to the theater is stylishly staged at a frenetic pace by Director Clint Hromsco.  A lot of the entertainment value is from the performers’ exaggerated gestures and reactions to the ridiculous situations happening one after the other.  Hromsco skillfully choreographs the shenanigans with well-timed entrances and exits, including those slamming doors.  Working with the tried-and-true MTC creative staff of April M. Bartlett (Sets), RJ Romeo (Lighting), Holly Rybnick (Sound), and Diane Vanderkroef (Costumes), the director has all the ingredients necessary for a cheeky time at the theater.

 

The acting corps dives into the tomfoolery of the show with a dedicated passion.  Rod Brogran leads the charge as the narcissistic, semi-talented George Hay.  He delightfully over-acts, including a heaping dose of physical comedy.  Anna Holbrook imbues Charlotte with a suitable haughtiness as she spars with her on-stage husband.  Allie Seibold (Rosalind) delivers a perfectly calculated straightforward performance and Matt Mancuso shines with a robust, manic portrayal of Paul.  The remaining cast members - Jo Anne Parady, Ted Gibson, Olivia Fenton, and Jim Schilling – provide marvelous support and a few keen comedic moments.

 

Moon Over Buffalo, playing at the Music Theatre of Connecticut through February 23.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.