Moon Over Buffalo
at Lake Braddock Secondary

Reviewed on February 23, 2019

Anjalika Chalamgari
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to The Bear Facts

"This is Buffalo, New York. It's like Scranton without the charm." And yet despite this less-than-admiring introduction, Lake Braddock Secondary School's production of Moon Over Buffalo leaves its audience in tears of laughter, each walking away just a little bit more under its spell.

Written by Ken Ludwig, Moon Over Buffalo opened on Broadway in 1995 to much acclaim, praised highly for its expert employment of lyrical comedy. It ran for over three-hundred performances, nabbing a few Tony nominations along the way.

Set in the 1950's, the play details the lives of the Hays, an acting family who head a theater company in- you guessed it- Buffalo, New York. George and Charlotte Hayes, who run the increasingly debt-ridden theater, are given a chance to reclaim their former Hollywood glory when Frank Capra comes to town to see one of their productions. But extramarital affairs, feuds, and a series of hilarious situations could bring all their dreams crashing down.

Erik Wells perfectly captured the essence of George Hay, and his affable spirit drew the audience's attention whenever he entered the stage. His comedic timing was almost that of a professional quality, and his impressive ability to play off the other actors of particular note. The part of George often requires intense physicality, and Wells pulled it off masterfully. Charlotte Hay, played by the personable Camille Neumann, was also a dominating presence; Neumann so accurately portrayed a dramatic aging starlet that one wondered if she wasn't in her early 50's at the time of the production. Her chemistry with Wells made their various feuds and reconciliations heart-wrenching and believable. Other memorable performances included Adin Weingast, whose hilarious and emotional rendition of Paul Singer did the original play justice, and Howard James (Michael Totten), whose brief and well-delivered meteorological interludes left the audience roaring in laughter. While the actors' diction in certain parts could have been improved, each cast member embodied their role with an animated energy.

The intricate and detailed set design (Erik Wells) was a phenomenal addition. The teetering-on-decrepit backdrop really helped to sell the Hay's financial burden, and the green color scheme screamed cozy 1950's Americana sensibilities. Sound (Austin Ryder) also brought a sense of realism to the production, and the cleverly-picked curtain call music, "Fly Me To The Moon", transported the audience.

Truly, Lake Braddock Secondary School's Moon Over Buffalo is a memorable and energetic homage to its hugely successful Broadway counterpart. Each component of the show meshes together elegantly and vibrantly, embodying the dramatic yet comedic tale of the Hays and their final attempt to reclaim Hollywood stardom. "Do you see what I mean?! About the theater?! I'm back here for three hours and I'm acting like a lunatic." Indeed, Lake Braddock has managed to capture the zany lives of this acting family in a way that has left every audience member feeling a bit crazier.

Grace Tarpgaard
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

A cacophony of confusion had audiences laughing immensely at Lake Braddock Secondary School's adaptation of Ken Ludwig's iconic play, Moon Over Buffalo. First published in 1995, the play's Broadway debut marked the return of American sweetheart, Carol Burnett, after a thirty year absence and quickly became an American classic.

Set in 1953 in Buffalo New York, washed up Broadway stars George and Charlotte Hay deal with marital infidelities and financial troubles with a growing resentment towards young Hollywood, until they get a call from a famous film director named Frank Capra. This opportunity catapults them into a spiral of misunderstandings and drunkenness which makes for a hysterical experience for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

Lake Braddock took on this beloved show with excitement and vigor. The cast kept up the pace throughout the show with impeccable comedic timing, physicality, and dynamic relationships. Technical elements supported the cast's great work through well executed set and costume designs as well as strong lighting choices. Since Moon Over Buffalo is a period piece, both the cast and crew had to adhere to the styles and mannerisms of the 1950's. From the style of the costumes to how each actor carried themselves, it was evident that a considerable amount of time and research was used to carry out the accuracy of every little detail.

Leads Camille Neumann and Erik Wells, playing Charlotte and George Hay, were tasked with substantial stage time and the challenge of translating the comedy of misunderstandings to the audience. However, each actor used this challenge to their advantage. Neumann's classy yet sassy attitude amplified the comedy of her situation and engaged audiences through her execution of each and every punch line.

Wells' visible understanding of his character was impressive and added to the insanity of his progressive drunkenness. Audiences could always depend on him for a laugh, whether it be his crazy costume changes or quick zingers at the sleazy lawyer, Richard (Alazar Izedin). Together, the Hays couple's chemistry, though problematic, made for a dynamic and entertaining performance.

Stand out supporting character Paul (Adin Weingast) supplied personality and consistently comedic attributes to the show that had audiences laughing out loud. Landing every joke through hysterical facial expressions and physicality, Weingast's take on the chasing of ex-girlfriend Roz (Shyanne Hall) and blind following of George's (Erik Wells) will made a lovable character even more endearing. Needless to say, he was definitely a crowd favorite.

Costumes (Lauren Porter), makeup (Shyanne Hall), and sets (Erik Wells) brought the actors performances to a whole new level. The 1950's dresses and aging makeup made each character more believable and truly added to the timeliness of the show. The set translated the time period along with the financial state of the characters through run-down walls and a dingy staircase. Additionally, the use of many doors provided an important element of Ludwig's shows, allowing characters to come in and out multiple entrances, adding to the overall confusion of the plot.

Lake Braddock's Moon Over Buffalo gave audiences a classic American theater experience, making for a night of laughs and entertainment for everyone. Both acting and technical choices were well thought out and well executed, causing the confusion of the plot to be understandable and intentionally funny. Ludwig would be proud!

Maggie Landis
Thomas A. Edison High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

"The theatre may be dying," Ethel proclaims, lamenting to her granddaughter, Rosalind. The near-deaf, crotchety, cardigan-clad spitfire continues: "but it is still alive….It's our lifeline to humanity." With plenty of physicality, wit, and laughter, Lake Braddock Secondary School definitively proved that the theatre is not only alive but thriving, with their stellar production of Moon Over Buffalo.

Written by Ken Ludwig and debuting on Broadway in 1995, Moon Over Buffalo is a side-splitting comedy full of mistaken identities, unfortunate mishaps, and quirky characters. Charlotte and George Hay are traveling actors, suffering from marital dishonesty and lagging audiences. When their daughter, Rosalind, arrives to tell them about her engagement to Howard, an anxious weatherman, she runs into her ex-fiancé, Paul, and her mother walking out on her father. Charlotte returns to a drunken George thirty minutes before a big movie director is coming to their matinee performance of Private Lives. Or is it Cyrano de Bergerac? Even the actors of the Buffalo theatre company don't know, and chaos ensues.

With a cast of only eight actors, it would be easy to lose the energy of the show. However, the powerful unit maintained their enthusiasm throughout the play. Their pacing was spot-on, allowing each joke and movement to fall on the audience's eager ears in perfect succession.

As the leading lady and gentleman, Camille Neumann (Charlotte) and Erik Wells (George) shone as the off-beat performers. With great chemistry and impressive comedic timing, the duo created an absurdly dynamic relationship. Wells' excellent physicality brought his character to life, with dramatic stunt falls and ridiculous positions. On the other hand, Neumann's delightful speech provided humor in the moments her counterpart was not flopping across the stage in a semi-drunken state, bringing the aging actress to life.

Rosalind Hay, played by Shyanne Hall, has a complicated family, and her exasperation with show business was made clear through Hall's voice. When paired with Adin Weingast's entertainingly human portrayal of Paul, the pair expertly captured the essence of push-pull love. Weingast used masterful comedic timing to present the easily-flustered stage manager, and his delivery had the audience in stitches.

Other notable characters include Howard (Michael Totten) and Ethel (Erin Mullins). As the adorably awkward Howard, Totten's amusing switches between confidence and sheepishness developed a memorable performance. Meanwhile, Mullins's elderly Ethel delivered hilarious one-liners and created mayhem like a professional, adding to the mounting confusion within the play.

The set, designed and built by Erik Wells, consisted of multiple levels with five doors for the performers to enter and exit. Painted bright green, it aided the energy of the show and highlighted the physical comedy. Hair and makeup required 1950s-appropriate styles, which Shyanne Hall accomplished nicely. Clever, period-accurate props, including a rig for an exploding vase, and elaborately-planned costumes worked to bring the ‘50s to life.

Moon Over Buffalo is an uproariously funny play. The humor, heightened by impressive acting, expert pacing, and high energy, had the audience laughing consistently. Despite Ethel's cynical take on the death of the art, Lake Braddock's production confirmed once and for all that the theatre is alive and well in our schools.

Julia Tucker
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Actors, actresses, and technicians alike know how stressful show days are. But faced with quitting actors, unplanned pregnancies, drunken leads, and a Hollywood director to impress, the players of Buffalo, New York, take the cake for show day craziness. Watch Lake Braddock High School enact the Hay's insane afternoon in their hysterical production of Moon Over Buffalo.

Moon Over Buffalo was written by Ken Ludwig in 1995 and made its Broadway debut on October 1, 1995. It follows the story of aspiring Hollywood actors George and Charlotte Hay and their company as they are preparing for an afternoon matinee. When the Hays receive a phone call saying Frank Capra is coming to judge their performance, knowing he could get them to Hollywood, the Hays are eager to impress. They soon realize the universe seems to be working against them, as the combination of mistaken identities, performance confusion, and insanely drunk actors threatens to ruin their shot at fame. In a hilariously unfortunate confusion, the actors in Buffalo desperately try to prepare for their afternoon matinee.

Lake Braddock's Moon Over Buffalo was filled with wonderful comedic timing, detailed sets and costumes, and boundless energy. While it was sometimes difficult to hear actors, the actors made up for it with outstanding physicality. Oftentimes, the characters had to pause to let the audience laugh before continuing the performance. The entire cast worked together to make a confusing plot crystal clear for the audience.

Erik Wells commanded the stage as George Hay. Whether he was standing up, falling down, or drunkenly staggering around, Wells utilized physicality to further the character's comedic impact. Even when the character could have had downtime, Wells seized every possible opportunity to make his character absolutely hilarious. Camille Neumann as Charlotte Hay also gave an outstanding performance. Neumann owned the stage as Charlotte where she flaunted her sassy demeanor. Neumann never shied away from extravagant expressions or posture. She would stomp her heels, sword fight like a professional, and wield a newspaper like a deadly weapon to express her character.

Stage manager Paul Singer was portrayed by Adin Weingast. Weingast took all opportunities to be funny, even when it was not necessarily scripted. When Weingast was doing something as simple as posing to "act natural" he had the audience in stitches. Shyanne Hall as Rosalind Hay projected her voice, so the audience never missed a word she said. Weatherman Howard James, performed by Michael Totten, was endlessly adorable. Totten had an air of oblivious innocence that made his character hilarious to watch. He would switch from the awkward and nervous fiancé to the confident and charismatic weatherman with an ease that stole the audience's heart.

The set, designed by Erik Wells, was detailed and made to maximize the comedic impact. The sound director Austin Ryder combined sounds of a person falling into a drum set to create the perfect crashing noise for when a drunken George head dives into the pit. The publicity headed by Carolyn Willmore was creative; the team painted the school rock to promote the show!

Will the Buffalo players somehow pull themselves together to perform, or will they miss their shot at fame? Find out at Lake Braddock High School in their side-splitting, riotous production of Moon Over Buffalo.

Oscar Lazo
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Italian-American film director Frank Capra is planning on attending your afternoon performance of Private Lies by Nöel Coward, but the performing cast has gone absolutely nuts with various obstacles presented just minutes before the curtain opens. A drunk actor, an infuriated wife, a deaf mother-in-law, a tied up weatherman; what else could possibly go wrong in Lake Braddock Secondary School's production of Moon Over Buffalo?

Set in Buffalo, New York in the 1950s, the comedy centers around two fictional aging actors running a repertoire theater and their chances of being cast by Frank Capra in a coming film being demolished due to unexpected mishaps. Written by Ken Ludwig and opening on Broadway in 1995, the show then garnered two Tony Awards in 1996. The Broadway production marked the return of actress Carol Burnett, who portrayed Charlotte Hay.

Erik Wells and Camille Neumann's ridiculously hilarious depiction of George and Charlotte Hays was no less than adorable and fascinating. The two presented a playful, well-rehearsed sword fight as they first entered the stage. Wells' portrayal of George captured the energy of the drunken man and when the curtain opens on Private Lies, Wells comedic timing was at its peak. Playing Wells' counterpart, Neumann's performance in the role of Charlotte as the more sane Hay was admirable, especially when taking disciplinary action against her husband.

Michael Totten's charming performance as Howard had audiences cackling in their seats as he recited memorable phrases, finalizing each with a charismatic smile. Portraying Charlotte's deaf mother was Erin Mullins in the role of Ethel. To illustrate Ethel's character, Mullins created a unique walk to compliment her character as she walked across the stage. Whenever Ethel's seamstress projects were destroyed, Mullins used her abilities to hilariously portray the enraged woman.

Impressive and shocking technical elements included the usage of a realistic firing weapon which was utilized in the show to shatter a vase. Although not being equipped with bullets as this is a stage production, the properties designer, Natalie Carreiro, innovated a safe way to create the illusion of a shattering vase. Interactive set design by Erik Wells absorbed the entire space and was in constant use by actors as they traveled through doors which were conveniently placed.

Lake Braddock Secondary School's rambunctious and boisterous production of Moon Over Buffalo was an absolute knee-slapper, with every line crafted into a perfectly recited gag. The actors held not an ounce of energy back as they moved through one of Ken Ludwig's classics.

Sophie Calandra
South Lakes High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Lake Braddock Secondary School should be over the moon after their exciting and hilarious performance of Moon Over Buffalo.

Moon Over Buffalo is the comedic Ken Ludwig play set in Buffalo, New York that follows travelling actors George and Charlotte Hay through a series of entertaining mishaps and miscommunication while trying to impress a Hollywood director, all while dealing with their own marital and familial issues. The first production of Moon Over Buffalo opened on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on October 1, 1995, directed by Tom Moore. The original George and Charlotte, Philip Bosco and Carol Burnett were each nominated for Tony Award Best Actor and Actress in a Play.

The show is led by the lively Erik Wells who portrayed egotistical actor George Hay, and displayed his wide range and commitment to the role by playing both completely drunk, as well as sober and arrogant. Wells' cavalier and vein character, accompanied with hilarious physicality had the audience roaring with every line. Wells was also extremely compatible with his witty co-star Camille Neumann, who portrayed the other half of the rocky marriage, Charlotte Hay. The two worked well together and played the on and off relationship very convincingly. Neumann played the classy, confident actress through effective facial expressions and comedic line delivery, along with impressive body language to convey her character's thoughts.

Adin Weingast, as Paul Singer, consistently produced raucous laughter from the audience with every perfectly timed face, movement, and line as he embodied his character without wavering. Weingast was consistently show-stoppingly hilarious in his every scene with every other character, especially George, where as a couple, their physical comedy stole the show.

Shyanne Hall, who played Rosalind, the daughter of the actors, displayed comedic delivery with her lines, and played off her fellow actors very well, particularly in the beginning of the third act where she must delay the play, then is accompanied by the rest of the cast for their show-within-a-show to fall apart. She particularly played well with Weingast as Paul and Michael Totten as Howard, her former and current boyfriends. The timid Totten displayed an awkward and nervous Howard, who could easily snap into his confident weatherman persona, always left the audience howling.

The technical team showed impressive talent with effective makeup and wigs, as well as 1950s period costumes. The lighting was simple, yet appropriate and a lit cyclorama provided a practical background for the well-constructed and accurate set. The sound cues were timed perfectly, including a gunshot followed by a falling vase that was executed flawlessly. The minimal scene changes and use of pre-recorded lines to cover the change kept the show flowing smoothly.

Overall, the Lake Braddock's production of Moon Over Buffalo was hilarious, satisfying, and impressively executed.

Elizabeth Germain
West Springfield High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

What do you get when you take a pinch of mistaken identity, a dash of running in and out of doors, and a whole cartful of colorful characters? You get Moon Over Buffalo at Lake Braddock High School!

In this 1995 comedy by Ken Ludwig, George and Charlotte Hay are traveling actors currently performing at a repertory theatre in Buffalo, New York, in 1953. Charlotte prepares to abscond with a wealthy lawyer after discovering her husband's fling with a young actress in their troupe. Then, George receives a call that changes everything: big-shot director Frank Capra needs new lead actors for his upcoming movie and he is flying to Buffalo to consider the Hays. So, George and Charlotte must conquer marital conflicts, misunderstandings, missing players, and much more riotously funny confusion in order to put together a matinee performance of Private Lives—-or Cyrano de Bergerac—-depending on who you ask.

Erik Wells embodied the "walking ham of a man" George Hay with a booming voice and bold physicality. When acting as Cyrano, his overextended vowels gave additional dramatic flair to the already dramatic character of George. He portrayed a convincing drunk and drew laughs from the audience every time he threw himself at his wife's feet in celebration of her return to him. As George's wife Charlotte Hay, Camille Neumann radiated class, sass, and spunk. Her voice sounded like a middle-aged woman and her facial expressiveness and body language always made it clear what she was thinking, whether she was beating her husband with a rolled-up newspaper or charming the man she thought was Frank Capra.

Adin Weingast expertly portrayed Paul, an actor in the Hays company and ex-fiancé to the Hays' daughter Rosalind. In addition to a strong vocal performance that evinced his excellent comedic timing, he gave a nuanced nonverbal performance. When he was searching for George, his nervous expression suggested that something was wrong, and when Charlotte later discovered what was wrong, he fled the room with cartoon-like speed. Rosalind's current fiancé, Howard, a man so nervous he sometimes forgets his own name, was skillfully portrayed by Michael Totten. His sweet awkward air was hilariously broken by moments of bold confidence when he put on his weatherman persona. Also of note was Erin Mullins who excellently delivered punchy one-liners in a funny yet believable old-woman voice as Grandmother Ethel.

The show used a detailed single set designed by Erik Wells. The slight dinginess of the light-green walls of the Erlanger Green Room and the one spot of exposed brick illustrated the declining prospects of the Hay family. The furniture and theatrical posters on the walls selected by Natalie Carreiro and the props team fit the 50s time period. One prop of particular note was an exploding vase, which, to create, required casting and molding several shards of a vase and rigging a mouse trap to propel the pieces out.

A skilled cast and detailed technical work combined with the slapstick comedy of Moon Over Buffalo brewed a recipe for success for The Lake Braddock Theatre. In the words of Grandmother Ethel, watching the show was "like living in an asylum on the guard's day off"--in the best possible way.

Elizabeth Vichness
W. T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to The Bear Facts

Haze creeps upon the stage, illuminating a flamboyant figure with an elongated nose and elaborate costume as George Hay (Erik Wells) dramatically appears in a traveling repertory performance of Cyrano De Bergerac. Abruptly the haze disappears to reveal a dysfunctional marriage, mistaken identities, and an overpowering and often disastrous desire to be in the spotlight.

Written by Ken Ludwig in 1995, Moon Over Buffalo is a situational comedy that follows the marriage and careers of George and Charlotte Hay (Camille Neumann) in 1950s Buffalo, New York. The older traveling repertory actors still cling onto their hopes of stardom and glory despite constant relationship and career catastrophes. Struggling to stay relevant to a public more interested in television than live theatre, the Hay's marriage struggles to withstand the mayhem of their spontaneous lifestyle. Suddenly a surprise call from the famous film director Frank Capra sends the entire company into a storm of infidelity, deceit, and combat that erupts into a whirlwind of chaos.

Erik Wells brought strong physicality and consistency to the showy and somewhat pretentious character of George. His broad gestures and intoxicated swagger brought a crucial level of slapstick comedy to each scene. Wells' ostentatious attitude and animated expressions caused George Hay to live up to his reputation as "a walking ham". Perhaps a bit more nuanced, but equally as entertaining was Camille Neumann's portrayal of Charlotte Hay. Neumann's impressive combination of refinement and sassy attitude brought a contrasting facet of humor to the stage. Whether schmoozing with directors or chasing her husband around the set with a newspaper, Neumann's sidesplitting facial expressions and mannerisms, brought an enhanced level of comedy to the stage. While each brought their own ecstatic energy, Wells' and Neumann's chemistry together was electric and palpable. Each witty retort and lovable remark brought a level of sincerity and depth to the relationship between the two characters that enhanced the production.

The Hay's chaotic energy is enhanced by a string of zany characters who each bring a new and unique level of comedy to the performance, including their daughter Rosalind (Shyanne Hall) who has brought her meteorologist fiancé Howard (Michael Totten) to meet her parents. Totten's awkward yet adorable humor and classic weather man smile brought a radiant life to the stage. The unconventional characters continue with Erin Mullins' remarkable one liners, high pitch characterized voice, and slow deliberate physicality in her humorous portray of grandma Ethel Layendecker. Additionally, Adin Weingast's inflated body language, flailing through doorways, and faultless Hebrew brought the compelling character of Paul Singer to life on stage.

Pulling the audience further into the story's wacky shenanigans, the set (designed by Erik Wells) expressed the setting and conditions of the characters from the rundown wall paper to the exquisite amount of unique detail briefly glimpsed behind each dressing room or closet door. The use of multiple doors throughout the production created a sense of substance and excitement as characters ran around in an eccentric fashion. Perhaps most impressive was the functional breakaway railing that caused George to spectacularly tumble off the stage. The set illuminated by the unique lighting design (Alazar Izedin) lead to overwhelmingly seamless transitions that kept the production fluid.

The actors of Lake Braddock's Moon Over Buffalo met each scene with a plethora of infectious energy and undying stamina that propelled the entire wacky comedy forward at full speed.