Review: Moon Over Buffalo makes the most of every scene

MOON OVER BUFFALO

By Ken Ludwig

Directed by Eric Lewis

Stage Manager: Becky Plant

The Phoenix Theatre

October 7 - 30, 2016

Review by Doug Gochanour

The 9th Season of The Phoenix Theatre opens with a lively situation comedy that includes a bit of slapstick, miscommunications, romance, and some sexual innuendo to add to the fun. Set in1953, Moon Over Buffalo tells the story two aging stage actors, whose marriage is on the edge of dissolution. Charlotte Hay (Melanie Calderwood) and George Hay (Jay Jenkins ) are finding that their star status is on the wane.

Charlotte’s is suspicious of a tryst between George and younger actress Eileen (Tracy Kirkpatrick. It turns out that this was accurate and a very inconvenient pregnancy was the result. It brought about justifiable jealousy and physical retribution in the form of slapstick, of course. Charlotte also threatened to run off to New York with her old friend Richard (Jim Thompson).

The irreconcilable differences included that fact that Charlotte had grandiose dreams of movie stardom, while George was mostly happy as stage actor. In fact, George would be fine with a good movie role if given the chance.

Further complications are introduced as hard-of-hearing grandma Ethel (Cindy Boggio) and daughter Rosalind (Karen Hendrickson) interject their own personalities. Roz has her a big choice to make regarding male friends Howard (Steve Heiret) and Paul (Tom Cook).

This great cast makes the most of every scene to bring the fun and laughter we have come to expect at the Phoenix Theatre.

Come to find out how Frank Capra’s need for movie actor replacements brings more mayhem, as he attempts to attend their matinee show. George had turned to alcohol, giving more opportunities for comic invention. Howard is a victim of mistaken identity and gets up tied in the closet.

Don’t miss out on the fun!! You will want to see how all these twisted relationships turn out.

Tickets are available online. Phoenix Theatre is located in Firdale Village just north of Shoreline in Edmonds, 9673 Firdale Avenue, Edmonds 98020.