Morgan Hill
– The South Valley Civic Theatre company is set to start its
2004-2005 season on Friday with Ken Ludwig’s comedy farce,
”
Moon Over Buffalo.
”
The production is SVCT’s kick-off of 10 performances through
Sept. 11 at the Morgan Hill Community Center.
Morgan Hill – The South Valley Civic Theatre company is set to start its 2004-2005 season on Friday with Ken Ludwig’s comedy farce, “Moon Over Buffalo.”
The production is SVCT’s kick-off of 10 performances through Sept. 11 at the Morgan Hill Community Center.
“Moon Over Buffalo” is a play about a play. It involves a theatrical family who lives in Buffalo, New York in 1953, right around the time that stage actors began to compete with television.
Leading the charge into each laugh is Charlotte Hay, played by Rosalind Farotte, and her husband George, played by Tom Hepner. George operates a community theatre that is on its last legs.
The Hays’ love of acting has brought them close to making it big in the movies. But, they are not too happy about almost making it big. They refuse to give up and continue performing daily shows of the plays “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Private Lives.”
The plot thickens when noted Hollywood director Frank Capra is expected to be in the audience for the next show, searching for a cast member for a new movie.
In the Hays’ race to make the most of their last chance for stardom, chaos prevails. Charlotte’s appearance is in question because she may just run off with her agent. George’s appearance is in question because he may not be sober enough to remember his lines. And Capra’s appearance is just plain in question, as is the show he may see – either of the two the cast has been performing, or possibly a wacky mixture thereof.
Hepner, who has been involved with SVCT for more than 20 years said the eight actors in “Moon Over Buffalo” are having a great time, despite being in their rehearsal crunch time.
Both Spencer and producer Maria Haluza agreed that things get a little hairy the week before opening night.
“This is when we rehearse in full costumes and makeup,” Haluza said.
“Next week is our last week, ‘hell week,’ we call it,” said Kae Jenny Spencer, one of the producers who is also the stand-in director for her husband Steve who is traveling. Spencer said she is excited because this is the first play she has directed after years of working behind the scenes.
The week before dress rehearsal, the actors and crew members bring in the stage props and set up the lighting and sound.
The painting and construction of the set was done by the volunteer members of SVCT at a warehouse in Gilroy.
“The hardest part is transporting the set,” Haluza said.
The cast includes the Hays’ relatives and others caught in their zany orbit.
Allyson Finn plays the Hays’ only child, Rosalind, who, after performing in one too many family productions, turned to a career in advertising. Finn’s theatrical parents insist on her taking a role in the play, “Private Lives” when she returns home with her new fiancé.
Peter Mandel plays Howard the fiancé, who is also a weatherman.
Almost deaf Granny Ethel, played by Carol Harris, was once an actress, too. Now, Granny is the confused costume mistress for this family theater troupe. She is full of puns and jokes revolving around misinterpreted commands.
“I get to be crotchety all the time and I think that’s fun,” said Harris.
Lane Grover plays Paul, Rosalind’s former beau, who still yearns for her. Paul is the charming “jack of all trades” for the Hays.
Elena Grover plays Eileen, whose mood swings might have something to do with George.
Grover said that she got into acting because she wanted to see more of her husband, Lane who was always out late rehearsing for plays.
Bill Corneth plays Richard, and said that although his role is not a big one, his love interest in one of the characters is hilarious when she attempts to overcome her own betrayal. Corneth was pleased with the cast.
“This group has exceptional talent and love for the community theater,” he said.
Spencer said the play’s comedic enjoyment is not for everyone. It contains mild adult language and is recommended for teen and adult audiences. The play runs approximately two hours.
“Moon Over Buffalo” tickets are $15.00 for students and adults, $12.00 for seniors. The weekend shows start at 8pm. The Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 shows will feature a matinee at 2pm.
Tickets are available in Morgan Hill at the Morgan Hill Community Center, BookSmart, 17415 Monterey Rd., in Gilroy at California Music, 7565 Monterey Rd., and online at www.svct.org. For information on the South Valley Civic Theatre, call 842-7469 or visit www.svct.org.
