Uproarious Backstage Comedy ‘Moon Over Buffalo’ Launches UA Theatre Season with a Bunch of Laughs

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Ken Ludwig’s zany backstage comedy, “Moon Over Buffalo,” takes the stage Tuesday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 28 at The University of Alabama’s Gallaway Theatre. The play is a production of the department of theatre and dance, part of UA’s College of Arts and Sciences.

“Moon” takes us to 1953 in Buffalo, N.Y. Struggling acting couple Charlotte and George Hay (B-list, self proclaimed “stars”) are caught up in a tempestuous run of both “Cyrano de Bergerac” and Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” at the Erlanger Theatre. When the dramatic duo hears that renowned director Frank Capra will be watching the matinee, Charlotte and George realize this may be their one last shot at Hollywood stardom. But, secret affairs, drunken stupors and missed cues can only end in a mess of misunderstanding and maddening misadventures.

Directed by Dr. Edmond Williams, professor of theatre and dance and past department chair, “Moon Over Buffalo” will keep you in stitches.

“The play is a perfect example of farce from mistaken identity to slamming doors, so it is enormously fun,” Williams says. “Although the work is difficult and requires split-second timing, and is truly physically demanding, the cast is having a grand time. The story is about theatre, and it plays to the stereotypes of overly dramatic personalities with questionable morality and happily-ever-after endings. The play is simply not to be taken seriously as its most evident intention is simply to make us laugh at the situations, the characters, and, perhaps, at ourselves.”

Patrons are reminded that parking is no longer permitted on Colonial Drive, Stadium Drive or Marr’s Spring Road. Parking, however, is still available on the side and rear of the theatre building. Parking also is available in the ten Hoor Parking Deck No. 1 (entrance on Stadium Drive) at no charge. The parking deck is next door to the theatre at Stadium Drive and Marr’s Spring Road.

“Moon Over Buffalo” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 through Saturday, Sept. 27 and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28. The Gallaway Theatre is on Stadium Drive at Marr’s Spring Road in the UA Theatre District.

Tickets are $15 for adults ($13 plus $2 service charge), $13 for UA faculty, staff and senior citizens ($11 plus $2), and $10 for students ($8 plus $2). Tickets can be bought at the Box Office in Rowand-Johnson Hall noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by visiting www.crimsonartstickets.com or by calling 205/348-3400.

The department of theatre and dance is a part of UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.