Tonight’s performance, however, was more chilly than sweaty. The Ledges Playhouse in Fitzgerald Park is always subject to the prevailing temperatures. Last show we sweated; this time, jackets and lap blankets were in order — but the show was hot, and the pace was fast and funny.
Dave Dunckel and LeAnn Dethlefsen were the perfect imperfect couple as Charlotte and George, aging, ambitious, almost-stars scrambling for success in a 1953 theatre company performing Private Lives and Cyrano in repertory. The lithe and lovely Anna Szabo played their daughter, trying to escape the world of theatrical craziness by marrying the delightfully enthusiastic, nervous and inept TV weather man, Zach Riley. But both droll, deaf Grandma Ethel (Diana Lett) and the rest of us knew she belonged with Paul, deftly played by the endearing Jeff Kennedy. A host of complications swirl about, as the lovely Eileen (JaNay Duncan) and earnest lawyer Richard (Jim Coyer) trip up the affections of our leading couple.
My favorite parts were Zach's giddy, star-struck self consciousness (even funnier when overlaid with General Patton) and Dave’s well choreographed theatrical spiral unto drunken drama. I was also impressed with the solid “period back-stagey” set, with its multitude of vital, slam-able doors (Jeff Miller) decorated with a fun assortment of period theatre posters director Mary found on the internet. Kudos to Daniel Moore for the period hair/wigs and Lark Burger for the theatrical and period costumes. Bryan Ruhf’s nostalgic music sustained the mood.
Moon Over Buffalo continues at 8pm Thur/Fri/Sat and 2pm Sunday through September 17. Bring a friend who wants to know what farce is all about.
http://www.overtheledge.org