Moon Over Buffalo
Written by Ken Ludwig, Directed by Jace Smykil
Synopsis
It is the summer of 1953, and George and Charlotte Hay, formerly a couple of Broadway stars, have taken their run-down touring company to Buffalo, New York. In Buffalo they have the intention of running "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Private Lives in repertory, all the while grumbling about missed Hollywood opportunities. But on-stage harmony is compromised when George performs an off-stage infidelity, impregnating the company's ingenue. When Charlotte learns of this, she prepares to run away with the family lawyer, sending lightweight George on a grief-stricken drinking binge. It turns out that Frank Capra is headed to town on a talent scouting mission looking to hire the couple for his swashbuckling Scarlet Pimpernel epic. As a result, the Hay family - including scornful, deaf mother in law Ethel, determinedly practical daughter Rosalind, and dashing actor Paul, Rosalind's ex-boyfriend - must work overtime to get sloppy drunk George into his Cyrano hat and nose... or is it his Elyot Chase smoking jacket? With the entrance of Rosalind's fiance, anxious TV weatherman Howard - one man with two mistaken identities - and Richard Maynard, the wealthy lawyer hoping to lure Charlotte away to his mansion - the confusion only intensifies. With a plethora of pratialls, slamming doors aplenty, and backstage shenanigans, Ken Ludwig's Moon Over Buffalo is a fast paced, hilarious screwball comedy in the old tradition, a throwback farce, a valentine to the stage. and the larger-than-life personalities that inhabit the world of the theatre.
Character Descriptions
George Hay - (Male, 50s) very dramatic, a slapstick type, over-the-top actor Must be able to do strong physical comedy, including pratfalls, running, stage combat (fencing), etc.
Charlotte Hay - (Female, 50s) She helps to run the acting troupe and plays all the leads even those for which she is a bit too old. Must be able to do an upper-class British accent.
Ether - (female, 70s) Charlotte's mother. Grumpy, trouble-maker hard of hearing leading to comic misunderstandings. Should have huge stage presence and strong comedic skills.
Rosalind "Roz" Hay - (Female, 20-30 years old) George and Charlotte's daughter, used to be an actress and a member of their acting troupe, but she decided that she wanted a real career, so she left - determined never to act again - or be like her parents. Must be able to do an upper-class British accent.
Eileen - (early 20s) is an aspiring actress, eager to please. She has a crush on George and has been having a fling with him.
Howard - (late 20s-early 30s) - a weatherman and Rosalind's fiancé. He comes across as a wimp. a little annoying, nervous, and very excitable. Must be able to do strong physical comedy
Paul - (late 20s-early 30s) is a member of the acting troupe, who used to be with Rosalind and still loves her and wants her back; but he is an actor first and foremost, so he wouldn't leave the troupe to be with her. Must be able to do strong physical comedy
Richard - (50s) He is George and Charlotte's attorney but he is in love with Charlotte - always trying to get her to leave George. He is wealthy and used to getting what he wants, and he is both amused and perplexed by the Hays