Auditions

Charlotte and George Hay are on tour in Buffalo in 1953 with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac "revised, one nostril version" and Noel Coward's Private Lives. Fate has given these thespians one more shot at starring roles in The Scarlet Pimpernel epic and director Frank Capra Himself is en route to Buffalo to catch their matinee performance. Will Charlotte appear or run off with their agent? Will George be sober enough to emote? Will Capra see Cyrano, Private Lives, or a disturbing mixture of the two shows? Hilarious misunderstandings pile on madcap misadventures, in this valentine to theatre HAMS everywhere. Moon Over Buffalo is a humorous, fast-paced comedy which incorporates a bit of slapstick. Through a series of misunderstandings, costume changes, and “revolving” doors, this show is sure to keep you entertained and laughing!

Auditioning actors don’t necessarily have to be in the age ranges listed for the characters, but should be able to play in that age range.

George Hays – (late 40’s-60’s) This actor carries the story line and will require an excellent sense of comedic timing and physical ability. He needs to be over the top. George’s desire to be famous on the stage sends him on many hilarious adventures from infidelity to drunken “acting” as Cyrano. He loves his wife, but also loves the ladies.

Charlotte Hays – (late 40’s-60’s) This actress must be able to demonstrate a wide range of emotions. There is some physical comedy, and even a scene using a British accent is required. She is a drama queen with a good sense of comedic timing. She “plays” the leads from different performances, reaching for stage fame at all costs. She loves George, but is beginning to tire of his philandering.

Ethel – (late 60’s-70’s) This actress is Charlotte’s mother. She has a good relationship with her daughter, but does not approve of her choice of a husband. She is very witty, and doesn’t take anything from anybody. Her “hearing” issue adds to her comic portrayal.

Rosalind Hay – (20’s-30’s) This is George and Charlotte’s daughter. She used to act, and was a member of her parents’ acting troupe. When she leaves to pursue a “real” career, she decides to distance herself from her parents’ in all aspects of her life. She has a fiancé, but is also emotionally attached to an actor from the troupe. She needs to be a good “straight-man,” and has a British accent in one scene.

Howard – (20’s-30’s) This actor is very funny. He is Rosalind’s fiancé and a weatherman. He believes this qualifies him as an “actor.” An identity misunderstanding between Howard and George leads to one hilarious scene. There is strong physical comedy for this wimpy, nervous, and excitable character.

Eileen – (20’s-30’s) This actress can be portrayed as manipulative. She is aspiring to be an actress, and very eager to please. Her crush on George leads to the levity in the story. She appears to be naïve and flighty, but will always do whatever she needs to get what she wants.

Paul – (20’s-30’s) This actor needs to have the ability to do physical comedy. He is a member of the acting troupe who used to be in love with Rosalind. His desire to get her back is strong, but his desire to remain in the troupe is stronger. He is the glue in holding the company together. This actor needs to portray a quiet and subtle sense of humor. A brief British accent is required.

Richard – (late 40’s-60’s) This is George’s wealthy attorney who happens to be in love with Charlotte. He is humorous and relentless in trying to get her to leave George. He finds the Hays family amusingly perplexing. This actor is a straight man.