"Moon Over Buffalo' full of laughs

"Moon Over Buffalo" is a comedy set in 1953 about a husband and wife acting team with a touring rep company. It is presented by Capital City Players and directed by Rob Crouse.

Crouse admitted the play was chosen because it is one of his favorite plays.

"If people like to laugh, this is the show," Crouse said.

George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars played by Ken Thompson (who also serves as assistant director) and Shannon Daugherty, battle their way through one crisis after another when they are on tour in Buffalo as they hope to revive their fading careers. They have one last shot at stardom when they hear that Frank Capra is coming to see their matinee.

Charlotte's mother is played by Kathleen Lavery. A lot of crazy situations arise from the fact that this woman wears a hearing aid (or is supposed to), and when she doesn't, trouble begins.

The comedy relies on situation humor, slapstick and some sexual innuendo. It is a physical show with actors falling over couches and other things. The action and dialogue are fastpaced as the characters constantly bicker or try to resolve confusion which includes a drinking and womanizing male star, jealous wife, young stage manager trying to keep things together, at least one character who's passed out and is believed missing, non-actors forced to go on stage and more.

Crouse said the cast is exceptional and is really bringing the physical and fast-paced movements together.

"We aren't doing a meaningful show with a heavy plot or message. It is just a fun show," he said.

The menu for the show is smoked brisket, pulled pork with sauce on the side, hash brown casserole, southwestern corn, baked beans, cole slaw, rolls and cherry cobbler or strawberry shortcake.

At a glance

What: "Moon Over Buffalo" by Capital City Players.

When: Today and Sunday, and April 25-28, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 12:30 p.m. matinee on Sundays.

Where: Shikles Auditorium, 1310 Linden Drive, Jefferson City.

Tickets: $35 which includes dinner and show.

More information: (573) 681-9012 or www.capitalcityplayers.com.