Tomah, Wis. September 1, 2026 – Area Community Theatre (ACT) in Tomah is set to perform the play, “Moon Over Buffalo,” by Ken Ludwig, opening on September 17 and is being co-directed by Brian Shutter and Connie Hurd.
“Moon Over Buffalo” is a screwball farce set in Buffalo, New York, in the summer of 1953, centering on George and Charlotte Hay, a once-celebrated husband-and-wife acting team now on a struggling tour. George, played by Brad Lindberg and Charlotte, played by Lori Ripley are performing “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Private Lives” in repertory, but their on-stage chemistry is fraying. George’s off-stage indiscretion — an affair with the company’s young ingenue, Eileen, played by Loren Sauter — has left Charlotte heartbroken. She plans to leave with the suave but opportunistic lawyer Richard Maynard, played by William Cain while George spirals into despair and heavy drinking. Paul, played by Jason Schmock is the company manager of the repertory troupe. Enter Frank Capra, the legendary film director, who will hopefully be stopping in Buffalo to scout talent for a Hollywood movie. He has lost his lead actors for “The Twilight of the Scarlet Pimpernel” and is considering George and Charlotte for the roles. This sudden opportunity forces the Hay family — including Charlotte’s nearly-deaf, snobbish mother Ethel, played by Sue Paulis, his practical daughter Rosalind, played by Amanda Schmock, and Rosalind’s clueless fiancé Howard, played by Nick Powless — to work overtime to get George ready for Capra’s casting. The situation is further complicated by mistaken identities, backstage chaos, and a series of slapstick mishaps. Rosalind’s fiancé Howard, Richard Maynard’s pursuit of Charlotte, and the confusion over which play is being performed all add to the escalating comedy. With fast-paced dialogue, physical comedy, and a love letter to the theatrical world, “Moon Over Buffalo” is a rollicking farce that blends romantic tension, family drama, and the high-stakes world of live theatre.
Other cast members are Danielle Davis, Rachel von der Ehe and Lisa Kirschbaum playing
stage hands in the production.
Come and enjoy some of the best acting that local community theatre has to offer.
Performances will be held on September 17, 18, 19, October 1, & 2 at 7pm and matinees on
September 20, October 3 & 4 at 1pm at the Area Community Theatre. Tickets are on sale now.
Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at
www.tomahact.com.
The final show of the ACT season is “Perfect Wedding” November 5-8 & 12-15 with audition
dates of September 13 & 14. Be watching the ACT Facebook page for audition and ticket
details.
For more information, call 608-374-7469, visit the Business Office at 901 Kilbourn Avenue
Tomah or check out the webpage www.tomahact.com.
About ACT: For over 50 years, the Area Community Theatre in Tomah has been dedicated to
providing quality entertainment from the many talents of the Tomah region. All productions are
produced, directed and performed by local volunteers. The theatre produces five productions a
year in a variety of genres including comedies, dramas and musicals.
