There is an old saying in theatre, “Dying is easy. Comedy is hard,” When you add the requirements of physical comedy, it’s even more difficult. Pratfalls and stage combat require precise timing, hard work, and lots and lots of rehearsal…
The Auburn Players’ are taking these challenges head on with their next production of Ken Ludwig’s famous farce, Moon Over Buffalo, which will take the stage on April 28, 2016 at Cayuga Community College.
Moon Over Buffalo is the story of an acting couple on tour in Buffalo in 1953 with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac (revised one-nostril version) and Noël Coward’s Private Lives. This backstage farce brought Carol Burnett back to Broadway and also starred Philip Bosco as her egotistical, often drunk husband and leading man.
Moon Over Buffalo relies heavily on situation comedy for its humor, as well as a little slapstick and physical comedy. The actor who plays George, in particular, must be able to deliver a highly physical performance; George engages in a mock fencing match with Charlotte, a wrestling match with Howard, and a stunt fall. The action and dialogue are fast-paced, as the characters are constantly bickering or frantically trying to resolve some confusion.
Bill Daugherty, who plays George in this production, enjoys the physical challenges of this particular role. “I think what I like the most about this kind of work is that it’s in the tradition of the old comedy teams that I grew up on: Laurel & Hardy, The Three Stooges, The Marx Brothers and Abbott & Costello.” Ann Fitzgerald, who plays Charlotte, adds “The real challenge is that I have no depth perception and am pigeon toed…but this in itself is effective in striking terror in the heart of my opponent…”
Adding to the mayhem are
Alicia Frame as Rosalind, George & Charlotte’s daughter, who left the stage to lead a “normal” life.
Scott Duell as Howard, a TV weatherman and Rosalind’s fiancé.
Michael Antico as Paul, stage manager for George’s company, and Rosalind’s ex-fiancé.
Stephanie Figer as Ethel, Charlotte’s nearly-deaf mother.
Dale Fennessy as Richard, a love sick lawyer who is courting Charlotte.
Christine Zavakos as Eileen, an actress in George’s company who was George’s “one-night stand.”
This production, directed by Robert Frame, promises “rolling in the aisle” laughs!
Moon Over Buffalo will play April 28, 29, and 30 at 8:00, with a matinee on Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 PM. at the Bisgrove Theater at Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St. in Auburn.
For tickets or more information, visit www.auburnplayers.org or call (315) 702-7832
This project is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA’s Decentralization Program, administered locally by Finger Lakes Community Arts Grants (FLCAG)
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