County locals to perform in comedy

SUSSEX — The newest season at the Cornerstone Playhouse will be filled with comedy as Vernon resident Michael Gillespie directs the production of, “Moon Over Buffalo.”

It was only after careful consideration that this Ken Ludwig comedy show was selected.

"We reviewed several scripts," said Gillespie. "We wanted to do something that would appeal to the community at large. This is an entertaining farce. It is an adult comedy full of slamming doors and mistaken identities."

It seems natural for Gillespie to fill the roll of director for this production.

"I'm currently the artistic director at the Cornerstone Playhouse," he explained. "I stepped in to direct this show out of a desire to direct a comedy."

The production is considered a backstage comedy. It centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. They are on tour in Buffalo with a repertory consisting of "Cyrano de Bergerac" and Noel Coward's "Private Lives." When they find out they might have one last shot at stardom in the form of Frank Capra coming to town to see their matinee, trouble naturally ensues.

Auditions were held for the roles in this production and many of them come from the Sussex County area.

"Our performers are from Vernon, Sussex, Lake Hopatcong, Sparta, Monroe and Ringwood so it is mostly in the county," Gillespie said.

Guests can expect a night full of fun, according to Gillespie.

"It will be an evening of belly laughs and an all around good time for anyone that comes out to see the show," he said.

Cornerstone Playhouse is located at the Crescent Theater, 74 Fountain Square in Sussex.

Performances will be given on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 26. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students.

All seats are reserved and reservations can be made by calling the box office at 973-702-0687.