A REVIEW
Being able to get a sneak peek at the Red Carpet Community Theatre’s production of “Moon Over Buffalo,” by Ken Ludwig, was full of laughter and surprises from an eclectic cast of seasoned actors, as well as newcomers to the stage. The group was in the first night of tech week, but there seemingly were no hitches or stumbling through the play. The set was brilliantly designed with the imagined stage built on a second story.
The main character, George Hay, played by newcomer Jeff Johnson, championed the production. Johnson’s portrayal of the wayward husband and drunken actor built the character’s antics so the rest of the cast could play off his orchestrated physical and animated portrayal of George. He is a welcome thespian to the RCCT stage.
George’s wife, Charlotte, played by Sara Marie Bodenstein, complements Johnson’s frantic desperation for success. Being no stranger to the stage, she never misses a beat in her desire not to panic as George goes astray in the second act.
The couple’s daughter, Rosalind, played by Lexi Snyder, gives her ex-boyfriend, Paul, played by Wyatt Porter, the cold shoulder as she pursues a career outside of acting. Snyder portrays the young actress in a believable portrayal of the Hays’ daughter.
Paul, played by Wyatt Porter, although he is desperate to rekindle his relationship with Rosalind, he provokes George and Charlotte to push their daughter toward his affections. Porter’s ability to unleash his physical character required to invite audience’s laughter and participation in his search for George throughout the second act.
Camren Olaveson, who plays Howard, is a showstopper when his mistaken identity causes him to be tied up and gagged. Olaveson’s ability was a definite highlight of the second half of the production. Johnson and Olaveson were hilarious in their fight over Howard’s costume.
Although playing minor roles, Delaney Acuna, Sheila Altland, and Tim Bodenstein, bring laughs in their recreation of the characters, Eileen, Ethel, and Richard. Acuna was able to capture Eileen’s essence in only a few lines throughout the play. Her part was essential to the comedic lines delivered in each part. Altland showed the audience the complete distain Ethel had for George, as well as her inability to hear what was being said. Finally, Bodenstein’s ability to portray Richard’s character as George’s lawyer as he tried to persuade Charlotte to runway with him when he professed his undying love for her.
This show has to be one of the best comedies that has been produced in recent years because of the chemistry between the actors and their characters. It is physically challenging for Johnson who pulls off a perfect drunken episode in Act 2. His performance will make the audience laugh throughout the show.
Make reservations now to catch one of the performances before the show sells out at www.rcct.
