By Peter Kemp
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
Moon Over Buffalo
The lights dimmed; the audience prepared but the curtains did not rise.
A scuffle was heard at the entrance, then a group of actors were seen running sown the aisles in period costume and sword fighting all the way to the stage where they had a swordfight on the stairs leading
to the stage.
It was the actors playing Cyrano de Bergerac.
The setting was Buffalo New York in a small theatre.
The curtains opened to a scene off stage where there were two levels.
It was furnished as a living room and as the show is a delightful farce it had five doors which were used to full advantage.
The leading man was George Hay, played by Brett Hyland giving an outstanding performance particularly when he was drunk.
A terrific performer and loved by the audience.
His wife, Charlotte Hay, was played by Audrey-Maeve Barker, who was good balance to Brett and also gave a stirring performance as the wronged wife but in view of the fact a leading director from Hollywood was coming to see the show and perhaps cast George and Charlotte in his current film.
So Charlotte had to work well with George to grab their big moment.
Ethel was the deaf grandma and played by Julie Arnold.
A wonderful performance particularly when she did not have her hearing aid in.
Rosalind, Ethel’s granddaughter and daughter of George and Charlotte was played by Francesca Carl.
A young lady not interested in the stage nor the boyfriend her parents chose but her current boyfriend, a complete nerd.
Another wonderful performance and her scenes were a sheer delight.
The boyfriend Howard was played by Mark Cluning.
Mark really captured the role as envisaged and giving a great performance.
Paul, the stage manager and Rosalind’s ex was played by Josh Mitchell who certainly added to the high standard set and was enjoyed by the audience.
Richard, the wealthy lawyer who was wooing Charlotte was played by Mark Crowe.
A small performance but essential to the storyline.
Mark captured the role with professionalism giving a good interpretation of such a character.
Then there was Eileen, who George not only had an affair but Eileen was played by Madeline Connolly who gave a terrific performance as the wronged young lady of the tale.
All in all a wonderful evening of comedy and at the cost of repeating oneself the use of doors was amazing, the timing was spot on and as one door closed another opened immediately.
The other comedy bits were spot on and a very successful evening of comedy was produced by Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre.
