Footlighters Theatre will stage ‘Moon Over Buffalo’

The Redlands Footlighters Theatre will present Ken Ludwig’s 1995 comedy “Moon Over Buffalo” through Aug. 28.

The play is set in 1953 in Buffalo,n.y., where a theater troupe is performing two shows in repertory, “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Private Lives.” George and Charlotte Hay, husband and wife and theater partners, are struggling with their creative differences and conflicting dreams for their careers.

Meanwhile, their daughter Rosalind hopes to break away from the family business and settle down so she can start a family. The Hays receive news that renowned director Frank Capra will be attending their matinee in search of two leads for his upcoming Hollywood blockbuster, and chaos ensues.

Rob Thurmond is directing the Footlighters’ production, and Otinelis Iancu is assistant director.

In the cast are Mark San Filipo as George, Mia Mercado as Charlotte, Cindi East as Ethel, Vèroniquè Poutrè as Rosalind, Nathanial Vogel as Paul, Joe Rossi as Howard, Haley Mulder as Eileen and Justin Wheeler as Richard.

The play is for mature audiences, with character-driven humor, innuendo, slapstick and a heartwarming ending, according to a news release.

Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, with an extra 2 p.m. matinee Aug. 27.

Tickets are $18 for general admission and $12 for students with ID, available at redlandsfootlighters.org or by calling 909-793-2909.

The Redlands Footlighters Theatre is at 1810 Barton Road. Masks are recommended and socially distanced seating is provided.

PHOTO BY MIGUEL ERICKSON — REDLANDS FOOTLIGHTERS Mark San Filipo, playing George Hay, and Mia Mercado as Charlotte Hay rehearse a scene in the production of “Moon Over Buffalo.”