"Quick, enjoyable, and uproariously funny"

According to local scholar Phillip Zapkin:

"The Sock & Buskin Theatre Company’s production of Ken Ludwig’s comedy Moon Over Buffalo was an enjoyable performance marked by excellent comic timing. Under the direction of Stefanie Austin—a co-founder of Sock & Buskin—the full force of the farce came to the fore through Ludwig’s trademark wit and series of happy accidents...Like most farces, Moon Over Buffalo really depends on the timing of the performance, the actors absolutely need to have flawless comic timing to make the play work. And the Sock & Buskin production definitely did that....Across the entire cast—including supporting characters like Ziegler, Myers, and Rodino-Colocino—the timing made the pacing of the show quick, enjoyable, and uproariously funny."

Read the full review:

Moon Over Buffalo, by Ken Ludwig—29 Apr. 2023

Ken Ludwig's
Moon Over Buffalo

A two-act comedy

April 27, 28, & 29, 2023
7:30pm at The Boal Barn Playhouse, Boalsburg, PA

Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. At the moment, they’re playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York with 5 actors. Down on their luck doesn’t begin to describe it. But the great movie director Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he just might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Naked ambition takes over as George and Charlotte do everything in their power to make Capra love them.

Poster design credit:
Caitlin Meleski of Caitlin Meleski Artwork

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Ken Ludwig's Moon Over Buffalo is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com. This version of the production uses the 2022 Errata.

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists

Cast

George Hay.........................MICHAEL WALDHIER*
Charlotte Hay......................LAURA WALDHIER*
Rosalind..............................LIZ FUHRMANN
Paul.....................................NATE SCHIERMAN
Ethel....................................MICHELLE RODINO-COLOCINO*
Howard...............................ZACHARY MYERS
Richard................................ERIC ZIEGLER*
Eileen...................................ISABEL VULLINGS*
Soldiers..............................JARED ERNICO, J LANCE WILKINSON,
ERIC ZIEGLER*

*Sock & Buskin debut

Crew

Producers..................................................GREGG BAPTISTA, STEFANIE AUSTIN Director......................................................STEFANIE AUSTIN
Assistant Director.....................................MELISSA BRANNEN*
Stage Managers........................................AMY FARKAS*, TARA CAIMI*
Fight Choreographer.................................ANDREW DRUCKENMILLER*
Costumer...................................................MEGHAN TANNER
Props Master.............................................AVA BIERLY*
Light/Sound Designer/Technician...........NATHAN GLUNT
Special Effects Designer...........................NATHAN GLUNT
Set Design..................................................STEFANIE AUSTIN, MELISSA BRANNEN,
DANIEL SKILES
Set Engineer...............................................PETER AUSTIN
Set Construction........................................PETER AUSTIN, STEFANIE AUSTIN,
DANIEL SKILES, GREGG BAPTISTA
Set Painting................................................CAROLINE TSEO*, RACHEL MOON*, DANIEL SKILES
Accent Coach.............................................KRISTINE ALLEN*
Stage Crew.................................................PHOEBE AUSTIN, AVA BIERLY*
House Managers........................................KARI WILLIAMSON, ADDY AILEO*
Photography...............................................CORBIN PEARCE, AVA BIERLY*
Video Design/Editing.................................JAMES ROHAN
Graphic Design...........................................CAITLIN MELESKI

*First production role with Sock & Buskin

Meet The Cast

Headshots credit:
Corbin Pearce of Corbin Pearce Photograpy

Michael Waldhier

George Hay

Mike is very happy to join an outstanding cast and crew in his Sock & Buskin debut, and is thrilled to return to the Boal Barn Playhouse! Recent past appearances include Celadine, Uncle Vanya, Betrayal, Tuesdays with Morrie, and Copenhagen with the Next Stage; Fun Home, Assassins, Les Misérables, and Parade with FUSE; Spamalot! with SCCT, and Much Ado, King Lear, and As You Like It with Nittany Valley Shakespeare. Outside of State College, Mike has done improvisational theater, performed in numerous plays and musicals in Chicago, and acted with Central Illinois Shakespeare at the ISF. Both on and off stage he loves his wife, Laura.

Laura Waldhier

Charlotte Hay

Laura is thrilled to be making her Sock & Buskin debut back in her beloved Boal Barn stomping grounds, and so happy to be part of this wonderfully lovely and merry band of players. You may have seen her most recently in Wilder & Wilder and Under Milkwood with The Next Stage; Fallout by local playwright Mary Gage; Much Ado About Nothing, old-time radio shows and more with Tempest Studios; A Christmas Carol and The Socky Horror Puppet Show with Adam Swartz Puppets; and Bat Boy and The Prince’s New Pet with FUSE. Thank you for all this fun, fellow Moonies! And to Mike, my wonderful husband – it is so much fun to be on stage with you in a kissing story.

Liz Fuhrmann

Rosalind

Liz, as a native Buffalonian, would like everyone to know she does in fact eat more than just water and long grasses. Very much like the play, Liz used to work in "showbiz/television" before getting into advertising (and PR). You may have seen her as Grace in Sock & Buskin's 86'ed, or as Deidre in State College Community Theatre's A Murder Has Been Renounced. Liz has also done numerous shows in Buffalo as part of the Canisius College Little Theatre and others. She would like to thank her ever supportive partner, Nathan, for following her back into theatre life and her friends and family for their unwavering love and encouragement.

Nate Schierman

Paul

Having worked on a number of plays with the local theater companies, Nate has been working diligently to reach “you’re that guy from that thing” status at the local grocery store.

Michelle Rodino-Colocino

Ethel

Michelle fell in love with the dramatic arts in high school. Following a decades-long hiatus, they’re acting on it. Seeing theatre as a means to communicate and build empathy for characters in deeply human struggles, Michelle is overjoyed to debut in Sock and Buskin’s farcical Moon Over Buffalo as Ethel. Laughing connects us and feels darn good. Michelle thanks S&B’s talented, supportive, and FUNNY cast, crew, and directors! Catch Michelle in the Chicago-based improv/sketch comedy troupe It’s Improv Baby on their YouTube channel the last Tuesday of the month (follow us!). She also improvises with Baltimore-based Highwire Improv, and recently performed her original monologue, “My Nose,” in Unfinished Business at the People’s Improv Theatre (The PIT) in New York City. Closer to home she’s playing in Happy Valley’s XL Improv Fest, May 18-21; her set’s on the 19th at 8pm. Come out! Thanks, family and community! Instagram: @rocofem.

Zachary Myers

Howard

Zach is extremely excited to be on stage with Sock & Buskin again. He is a second year Ph.D. student in Educational Psychology at Penn State. This is his second time acting with his first play being Sock & Buskin’s debut play, Sinergy. Zach looks forward to contributing to the chaos that is Moon Over Buffalo. He would like to thank his spouse (Max) and his roommate (Lilli) for their support and tolerating him constantly referencing the play.

Isabel Vullings

Eileen

Isabel is thrilled to be making her Sock and Buskin debut. She is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she got her BFA in Versatile Vocal Performance. Most recently she was seen in the opera Le Nozze di Figaro. Isabel has also been seen in numerous productions including Into the Woods, Killer Green, 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee, Anything Goes, South Pacific, Fiddler on The Roof, and the play Our Town. She would like to thank her parents for always being so supportive of her and her pursuit of music and theatre.

Eric Ziegler

Richard / Soldier

Eric is thrilled to be making his debut with Sock and Buskin Theatre Company! He is very proud to be a part of this fun, wacky comedy and this talented cast & crew! Eric has recently been seen on stage with the Community Theatre League in Williamsport, playing General Waverly in their production of White Christmas. Before that, he was with the State College Community Theatre playing Victor Velasco in Barefoot In The Park, Detective Hubbard in Dial M for Murder, and has also been in numerous SCCT performances such as; The Drowsy Chaperone, Jekyll & Hyde, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, Spamalot, The Crucible, and To Kill A Mockingbird. He also acted in A Man for All Seasons, Funny Money, Neil Simon's Rumors and Treasure Island - all with Nittany Theater. Eric has also performed in: 1776, Cheaper by the Dozen, You Can’t Take it With You, A Christmas Carol, Arsenic & Old Lace, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and many others. He thanks his loved ones for their continued support and thanks YOU for coming and supporting LOCAL theater, and hopes you enjoy the show!

J. Lance Wilkinson

Soldier

J. Lance Wilkinson is happy to tread the boards once again since returning to the stage 8 years ago following a 43 year hiatus since high school. Prior appearances include Sitting Bull (Annie Get Your Gun), Kringelin, Rich Man and Phil (Gypsy), ensemble (9 to 5 The Musical, The Wedding Singer), Duke Frederick (As You Like It), Henry (Murder Me Always), Sheriff Willie Rackham (Murd-ARR!!! Pirates of the Salty Dog), the Press Corp (Dead Tuesday) and the Motorist (Clue on Stage), all with State College Community Theatre, as well as Chapuys' Attendant (A Man For All Seasons) and ensemble (Mama Mia!) with Nittany Theatre, Detective Jingles (Cutthroat Christmas) with Sock & Buskin, and in several PSU Student Films. He originated the role "Drunk Messenger" in Jerry Sawyer's Arthur and Merlin, and spoke and sang the "voice" of the mute Zechariah in Jerry's Mary and Elizabeth: A Conversation. Thanks to Vija for indulging him yet again, and for the support from family and friends and the welcoming and growing State College theatre community.

Jared Ernico

Soldier

Jared is a Pennsylvania native that migrated to State College from south central PA back in 2008. He is brand new to the theater world in State College this year and practically brand new to theater in general. Many moons ago in a mountain town far far away he played a hotel detective in a murder mystery known as Bridesmaids in Fur. When he is not pretending to eat food or running away from imaginary armys on the big stage he loves spending time with his amazing wife Kelly. He also enjoys playing with his corgis Banjo & Teddy Roosevelt along with enjoying all the fantastic things to do in Centre County. Jared doesn’t work a day in his life because his career as a REALTOR with RE/MAX Centre Realty is amazing!

Meet The Crew

Stefanie Austin

Director, Set Designer

Stefanie is the President and a Founding Director of Sock & Buskin Theatre Company. Stefanie’s been an actor, director, playwright, and various other roles in a number of productions since 2014; some recent acting roles include Maeve in S&B’s 86’ed in February and Miss Scarlet in SCCT’s Clue: On Stage in April of last year. Though she has directed 4 murder mystery shows, including S&B’s Sin-ergy in October (which she also wrote), Moon Over Buffalo is the first straight play she has directed. Stefanie is incredibly grateful for the talent and dedication of the cast and crew on this production, which made her job easy. As a professional statistician and amateur soccer player, Stefanie loves the creative outlet provided by community theatre. She thanks her husband, Peter (this show’s set engineer) and her two kids, for being exceptionally supportive in her theatrical pursuits.

Nathan Glunt

Light/Sound Designer, Special Effects

Nathan has been involved in live sound ever since he was a teenager. From live stages, small bars and outdoor amphitheaters, he has helped set up audio equipment and mixed a variety of venues. He is very excited to work on his second Sock and Buskin production, the first being 86'ed in February as a sound and lighting designer. Nathan was born and raised in Altoona, PA. He moved closer to the State College Area for work with AccuWeather designing and maintaining studios as an Engineer. Aside from live sound production, Nathan is an avid musician always looking for gigs in the surrounding areas.

Daniel Skiles

Set Designer/Construction

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Rachel Moon

Set Painter

Rachel is becoming a bird. Please respect this process.

Peter Austin

Set Engineer/Construction

Pete got started with designing and constructing set pieces for theatre in 2021 when his wife, Stefanie, recruited him to construct pieces for SCCT’s productions of Barefoot in the Park, 9 to 5: The Musical and Murd-ARRR! Pirates of the Salty Dog. Last year he designed the set construction plans for Clue: On Stage, also with SCCT. He made his S&B debut by constructing a "trash room door" in February's murder mystery, 86'ed. He enjoys the unique challenge of building safe and functional set pieces on a theatre’s budget...as well as finding another hobby to do with his wife. Pete holds Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and works at Penn State as an R&D Engineer. When he’s not working or designing sets, Pete enjoys video games, board games, watercolor painting, and playing with his kids and dogs.

James Rohan

Video Designer/Editor

James is a recent graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, with a bachelor's degree in Digital Arts. He is currently working as a graphic artist and also loves to find any opportunity to do freelance work. James was happy to get the opportunity to join Sock & Buskin during the summer as a designer and helped by creating a logo design for the group. James also served on the production crew in Sin-ergy, Cutthroat Christmas, and 86'ed. James has a strong passion for Digital Art, such as Graphic Design and Photography, and is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a fun and interesting group like Sock and Buskin where he can use that passion.

Gregg Baptista

Producer, Set Construction

TBD

Amy Farkas

Co-Stage Manager

Amy is excited to be making her Sock and Buskin debut as stage manager for this hilarious show. Amy is a veteran of local theatre, appearing with State College Community Theatre, Tyrone Community Players and the Community Theatre League in Williamsport. Amy spends her days working as a municipal manager and also volunteers with Centre County PAWS. Many thanks to Stefanie for this opportunity.

Tara Caimi

Co-Stage Manager

Tara Caimi counts herself lucky to have been welcomed into the Sock & Buskin family as assistant stage manager for Moon Over Buffalo. Her theatre background includes playing Baby Louise in a production she thought at the time was named after her cat, Gypsy; a brief role in college that she vaguely remembers because all her lines were in Spanish (which she does not speak); and a few sporadic box office and production roles over the years. In real life, Tara is a certified life coach, personal growth guide, author, and book coach. She holds a BA in journalism and psychology, an MFA in creative writing, and she is the author of the memoir Mush: from sled dogs to celiac, the scenic detour of my life.

Kristine Allen

Accent Coach

If you are holding this program, you’ve made an excellent choice. This Sock & Buskin production is magnificent! And I have the easiest job of all as accent coach: I had almost nothing to do because the cast is truly amazing, as you will soon see! Break legs tonight, Moon-people!

Caroline Tseo

Set Painter

Caroline is glad that she was able to help with getting the set ready for Moon Over Buffalo. Great to have it at the Barn! Big Congrats to Sock & Buskin for their great debut year!!

Phoebe Austin

Stage Crew

Phoebe had her acting debut in S&B’s December production, Cutthroat Christmas, and is excited to learn more about the backstage in this production. Phoebe is in first grade and loves school; her favorite subject is math and her favorite "special" is art. She loves to draw, ride her bike, ride rollercoasters, swim, do gymnastics, and play soccer. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher or astronaut.

Kari Williamson

House Manager

Kari is happy to be participating in another Sock & Buskin production, this time serving as Front of House Manager. Her other Sock & Buskin credits include: director of Sibbliger, assistant director of Sin-ergy, director and Christy in Cutthroat Christmas, and stage manager and Guest #3 in 86’ed. Kari would like to thank the audience for their support of community theatre. I hope you enjoy the show.

Addy Aileo

Assistant House Manager

Addy has been reconnecting with theater for a year and half now with State College Community Theater and while her schedule has made it difficult to be on stage this year, she is very happy to be able to stay connected with this fantastic world by helping out behind the scenes with Sock and Buskin. She will be supporting House Manager Kari Williamson by handling FOH for Moon Over Buffalo.

Melissa Brannen

Assistant Director

Melissa has ditched her diva personality “Paula” after the dinner theatre production Sin-ergy last fall (mostly) and decided to try out a new role behind the scenes as Assistant Director in this hilarious production of Moon Over Buffalo. Melissa loves community theatre and has appeared in over 25 shows with State College Community Theatre, Nittany Theatre, Tyrone Community Players, Stone Arch Players, and No Refund Theatre. Her day job is at Penn State where she “makes research happen” as a negotiator for the Office of Sponsored Programs. She’d like to thank Stefanie Austin for giving her this opportunity to learn even more about theatre and the cast and crew for just being so phenomenally talented and easy to work with. Thanks to her “Big Bear” Chris for holding down the fort at home taking care of the fur-babies and foraging for his own food on rehearsal nights.

Meghan Tanner

Costumer

Meghan is happy to help Sock & Buskin in this production of Moon Over Buffalo! Throughout high school, Meghan was a member of the stage crew for both plays and musicals in a variety of roles, including props manager. She also had the opportunity to join Sock & Buskin as the skeleton, Bones, in Terror in Transylvania, and she served as costumer and props master for S&B's February murder mystery, 86'ed. Outside of theatre, Meghan enjoys running, Dungeons & Dragons, reading, and spending time with her husband, Albert, and pitbull, Olenna.

Ava Bierly

Props Master, Stage Crew

Ava is a first-year art education and film student at Penn State and thought that designing props would be a great way to combine her love for theater, goodwill runs, and arts and crafts. While she previously had made a few appearances in her middle school drama club’s productions, this is both her first time involved in production crew in addition to her debut with Sock & Buskin! She wants to say the biggest thank you to her Mom and Dad, as well as Kyle, Parker, and her grandparents for their infinite encouragement and support, and another big thank you to the cast and crew for being so kind and welcoming!

Andrew Druckenmiller

Fight Choreographer

This is Andrew's third time choreographing fight scenes in his theater career. Other shows include Pippin and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Andrew is ecstatic to be a part of this production and hopes to be a part of many many more. Break a leg everyone!...........but not actually please.

Corbin Pearce

Photographer/Videographer

Corbin is an Economics major turned headshot photographer based in State College, planning a move to Austin, TX. This is his second production with S&B, and he’s excited to document it!

Caitlin Meleski

Graphic Designer

Caitlin has been our resident graphic designer since S&B first opened its doors. She is a 2015 Advertising Art & Design graduate of SUN Area Technical Institute and a 2019 Bachelors of Arts graduate of Susquehanna University. Before designing promo artwork for Sock & Buskin, Caitlin has designed posters for many small theater companies across the United States. Caitlin hopes to continue to combine her skills in design and her love for theater and hopefully get to work for productions on Broadway. You can follow her work on Instagram and Facebook @caitlinmeleskiartwork.