Little Theatre Presents “Moon Over Buffalo”

A long table is lined with an array of props ranging from metal swords to bottles of whiskey, several extravagant costumes for each actor are meticulously placed for quick changes, and performers are waiting in the wings to deliver two hours of fast paced, meticulously rehearsed physical humor.

These elements come together first during rigorous rehearsals to bring the Sacred Heart University Theatre Arts Program (TAP) production of Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo” to life. It is considered a farce: a dramatic comedy filled with improbable, exaggerated storylines, and absurd satirical humor.

“Moon Over Buffalo” follows the antics of declining 1950s actors George and Charlotte as they try to take advantage of what may be their chance at stardom when they receive word that A-list director Frank Capra is coming to scout actors at their matinee performance. Chaos ensues as the bickering couple tries to navigate through the afternoon show.

This farce show is only the fourth of its nature to be done at Sacred Heart, and the company is diving straight into the material as the countdown to opening night begins.

“I’ve never worked on such a purposeful comedy show as this one, and I think that is quite literally my favorite part about it,” said sophomore Sierra Sailer, the show’s Production Stage Manager.

“The fact that the show is a farce makes it so unique to anything else I’ve had the chance to work on, and that’s made it a really special experience for me,” said Sailer.

The play is directed by Jerry Goehring, Executive Director of Performing Arts at SHU.

“It’s very interesting the approach that our director has us go about these characters and trying to find the honesty within them even though it does seem a bit cartoony at times, that’s kind of the honesty within it,” said senior Abby Palmer, who plays Charlotte.

“Our director is having us raise the stakes really high with pretty much every line we say, so we have to kind of balance high stakes and actually hearing us talk, but I think we’re going to get there and I think the delivery of the lines really makes the show,” said junior Jordan Pita, who plays George.

A farce would not be complete without its characteristic physical gags and slapstick comedy. Though only the end result is seen onstage, there is a whole other world happening behind the scenes to pull off these bits.

“Because it’s physical comedy, we end up leaving every scene sweating and panting, which is something that I haven’t experienced before, but it really shows that with the direction we’re being given, were working hard and that every time it’s getting better and better and that there’s still room to grow,” said Palmer.

With just a few weeks until opening night, the company is anticipating introducing new audiences to the story.

“I do think that this show is suitable for anybody. There is just so much physical humor in this show. I think of the show like a sitcom or a really funny movie, so if you’ve never been to the theater or a play before, I think you’re going to have a really good time,” said Pita.

“Moon Over Buffalo” runs in The Little Theatre March 16-18 at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 19 at 3 p.m., March 23-25 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 26 at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Edgerton Box Office or at edgertoncenter.org/theatre_arts.php.

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