By Eva Trieger
SOLANA BEACH, California — When I hear the word “farce,” Ken Ludwig springs to mind. When I hear the words “hilarious farce” I immediately think: Ken Ludwig and Matthew Wiener. This duet is responsible for uproariously funny shows with impeccable timing, absurd plot twists, ridiculous dialogue and unmatched physical schtick. I was not disappointed with North Coast Rep (NCRT)’s current production of Moon Over Buffalo.
Ludwig and Wiener’s talents have won a tender spot in the hearts of NCRT audiences, for all of the above reasons and many more. Eight of those reasons are the intrepid actors who took on this play-within-a-play. Well, actually two plays within a play. Set in 1950s Buffalo, NY, a small touring theater company is performing Cyrano de Bergerac with a flip side of Private Lives. Aging actors, Charlotte (Katrina Ferguson) and George Hay (Arthur Hanket), attempt to retain audiences, while all around them the world of entertainment is changing.
Of course, as any good farce must, we have the inappropriate couplings, the inconvenient pregnancies, and alcohol. And did I mention that the Hays’ company is performing two plays daily?
Without giving too much away, let it be said that actors Brittney Bertier, Josh Braaten, Roxane Carrasco, Matthew Salazar-Thompson, Arusi Santi and Jacque Wilke each deliver incredible, energetic performances as the plot thickens. Collectively these actors have been all over television and stage from Netflix series, Atypical, to Criminal Minds to Like Water for Chocolate, Some Like it Hot (with Tony Curtis!), C.S.I, Dharma and Greg, Frasier, Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans, and my personal favorite, Don’t Dress for Dinner. Suffice it to say: There is a ton of talent on that little stage!
But that’s not all. There is a ton of talent that creates and manages that stage too! Marty Burnett, a multiple award winner, has created a fabulous set that rotates as needed to provide appropriate settings for each of the three acts. Matthew Novotny manages the lights, and all costumes are designed by Elisa Benzoni. The Theater School director doubles as a Fight Choreographer for this show. Benjamin Cole has been doing fantastic shows with North County children for the last few years, and lavishes his twenty years of experience on this show. Aaron Rumley, Stage Manager, continues to create the optimal environment for audiences with regard to sound and projections.
This script really does provide at least a laugh a minute and perhaps many more. It is slapstick, silly, funny and touching, and precisely what we’re all craving.
Luckily for you, it has been extended. Go and get your laugh on!
Tickets available at northcoastrep.org or by phone at 858.481.1055
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com