Review Over Buffalo
A review of Moon Over Buffalo
by Lulu Berthold, age 12
Moon Over Buffalo is a story about a married couple named George and Charlotte Hay. Both of them are actors, but Charlotte is more on-screen while George is more on-stage. Eventually they realize they are running out of money… but famous casting director Frank Capra is coming to see their matinee. So thirty minutes before the show, Charlotte, the Hays’ daughter Rosalind, Rosalind’s ex Paul, and her new fiancé Howard are running around trying to get everything ready and make everything perfect last-minute. A couple of things and people that stood out to me as I watched this performance were the amazing actors, the very fun practical set, and the amazing costumes that made the show come together
The first person who stood out to me was Paul, who was played by Marty Alivo. Marty constantly made me laugh and was always in-character. Marty truly learned how to embrace Paul as a character through his physical actions and through the way he expresses his lines. Tony Davis as George Hay and Tanya Tranberg as Charlotte Hay also impressed me. The two actors had an amazing on-stage relationship; from arguing as a married couple to bonding over their love for theater and each other, Tony and Tanya really took on the roles with boldness and brightness by truly becoming friends and having so much fun on stage. One other actor that shined was Tom Aldridge, who played Grandma Ethel. Tom was constantly making me laugh. Ethel's complicated relationship with her daughter's husband George always made me smile. He portrayed Ethel in the best way possible, committing fully to the character.
The next thing that stood out as I watched Moon Over Buffalo was the set, designed by Evan Crain. Between all the different doors and furniture pieces, the set truly helped the show come together, helping the actors portray their feelings and make dramatic door slams.
The final thing that impressed me as I watched the show were the costumes, which were designed by Tianna Lee. From Paul’s denim set and Mr. Hay's different performance outfits, to Rosalind's frilly dresses and Howard's suit, the costumes added to the show in a drastic way and truly made the story come together. The costumes immerse you into the story and add on to the comedy.
While watching Moon Over Buffalo, I constantly found myself laughing and smiling. Between the struggle of getting George ready and having to prepare for Mr. Capra, this performance constantly kept me on my toes. Though the show does include mild swearing/language and some risqué jokes, I think it is definitely worth the watch. So whether it’s a family event, going out with friends, or even a date, this show is a must-see at the Waukesha Civic Theatre.
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