October 7, 2006

Moon Over Buffalo

A Theatre Review by Stan Dyer

If you hurry, you can still catch this show. Moon Over Buffalo is a comedy written by Ken Ludwig, but handled masterfully by the Country Dinner Playhouse, 303-799-1410. It is the story of a young woman who brings her fiancé home to meet her famous actor parents. Moving through plot twists, mistaken identity, and a number of the classic tools of the comedic writer, the play perfectly exemplifies what you can always expect from the Playhouse: a great show at a great price.

Producer Paul Dwyer always seems to find the right people with the right experience and the right chemistry to make his productions fly. In this one, director Billie McBride has her team hitting on all cylinders like a finely oiled machine, and the play goes off without a hitch. Entertaining and delightful from beginning to end, the play features James Nantz, Sharon Kay White, Edith Weis, Amy Board, Darren R. Schroader, Clarissa Hope Stranske, Josh Robinson, and Gregory Price. No actor "steals the show" and no actor has to "carry the show". They work together well, and professionally use all of their talents to make this another great show for the playhouse. Bravo! ,once again, to the Playhouse. "Moon Over Buffalo" ends October 22 nd.

For those of you who don't know already, I have come to love the Country Dinner Playhouse. It is one theatre in town where I know I can expect a consistently good performance at a great price. For about $30, you can get dinner, a show, and free parking. You can even bring the kids. At the performance I attended, the parents at the table behind us bought a separate table just for their six children. What a great opportunity for them all to enjoy an evening together and experience a great live performance. Now is an especially good time to visit the Playhouse and buy season tickets. They are celebrating their 36 th anniversary by bringing back six of their all time favorite shows.

The Country Dinner Playhouse opened its doors in April 1970 with the Neil Simon play "Come Blow Your Horn". Ironically, that was also the breakout play for Neil Simon. Both Simon and the Playhouse have shared success since that time. Many famous actors played the Playhouse before anyone knew whom they were. The list includes Morgan Fairchild, among the more recognizable names. Today, the Country Dinner Playhouse has remained virtually the same and celebrates America by featuring mostly local talent, serving a very traditional buffet of American food, and catering to the everyday Americans who make this country what it is. What American wouldn't love this place?

Take my advice. Go see "Moon Over Buffalo", and, while you're having a great evening, stop by the ticket office to pick up season tickets to the 2006-2007 Anniversary Celebration featuring the plays, "Phantom", "Clue", "Guys & Dolls", "Evita", and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". I guarantee you will not be disappointed, you will want to tell your friends, and you will discover what I already know: The Playhouse delivers a "great show at a great price".

The Country Dinner Playhouse is located at 6875 S. Clinton in Greenwood Village, (Just East of I-25 on Arapahoe Road). You can call the box office at 303-799-1410. Ask about the special rates for groups. The phone number for Group Sales is 303-790-9311. You can also check them out on-line at www.countrydinnerplayhouse.com, where you can see pictures of the casts from their various performances, see what's happening next, and sign up for email notices.