Beckwith hosting ‘behind the curtains’ peek in next production

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, June 21, 2017

By Ted Yoakum

Audiences will get a look at the drama behind the curtains during the Beckwith’s latest production: drama that includes a love triangle (and love rectangle), misunderstandings and miscommunication, and even a swordfight.

The Dowagiac community theater debuts its latest show of the 2017 season, “Moon Over Buffalo,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, at the playhouse, 100 New York Ave. The show will run over the next two weekends, with curtains rising at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets for the performance cost $10, and may be purchased at the box office on show nights. People may make reservations by calling (269) 782-7653 or by visiting beckwiththeatre.com.

“Moon Over Buffalo,” written in 1995 by Ken Ludwig, is a farce comedy set in 1953 about an aging couple, George and Charlotte Hey, a pair of traveling actors who are performing for a repertory theater in Buffalo, New York. Their aspirations to make it on the silver screen are revitalized after receiving a phone call from famed Hollywood film director Frank Capra, who informs the couple he intends to attend their next show to see if they would make a good fit to replace the leads of his next film.

Of course, being a farce, fate conspires against the two in a very large way. Their eccentric group of relatives and fellow actors  — as well as their own volatile personalities — work to sabotage their path to Hollywood stardom.

“The characters are very diverse and largely eccentric,” said Jack Gannon, who plays George in the show. “As actors, it gives us the opportunity to develop some very distinct personalities.”

Set in the green room of a theater, the play offers a “behind the curtains” peek into the lives of stage actors, albeit in a very exaggerated fashion, Gannon said.

“It shows you what acting really is like, especially at a community theater,” said Kathryn Hein, a newcomer to the Beckwith Stage who plays Eileen, a young actress with the Buffalo theater group.

In true farce fashion, the comedy of the play lies beyond simply witty one-liners and amusing scenarios, but in the constant action and physical gags occurring on stage throughout the performance.

“Characters will barely miss each other,” Gannon said. “As one door slams shut, another is already opening. It makes for a very fun evening for the audience.”

Besides serving as the leading man, Gannon is also co-directing the show, alongside Jennifer Shoemaker, who made her Beckwith debut as an actress last year alongside Gannon in “Harvey.” With Gannon being a part of the cast, Shoemaker has taken on most of the responsibility leading the production in this latest show, she said.

The cast of eight has worked on the show the past 10 weeks, Gannon said. Besides memorizing their lines, getting into the heads of their over-the-top characters and perfecting the timing of the show’s many physical scenes, several of the actors even had to learn basic fencing skills for the show’s swordfight, Gannon said.

“It’s been an absolute blast,” Shoemaker said. “It’s such a slapstick show, and it’s so fun. I’ve seen the cast run through the show so many times now, but it still manages to make me laugh every time.”

The theater will host an opening night reception on Friday, with Cody Kresta Vineyard and Winery serving free wine. The following Friday, the Sister Lakes Brewing Company will serve a free selection of beer.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Eileen — Kathryn Hein

Howard — Curt Goodrich

Paul — Ryan Murray

Rosalind — Andi Creasbaum

Charlotte — Carole Catherine

Richard — Steve Prouty

Ethel — Peggy Gannon

George — Jack Gannon

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