The ‘Tune In To Tent Part 2: Moon Over Buffalo Edition’ of our special, virtual, three-part video series of summer 2020 has officially been released! The video series is in accommodation for the three productions of Tent Theatre’s 58th season that have been postponed, but will be popping up under the tent in summer 2021. Each features inspiring words from Tent Theatre Producer Joe Price or Artistic Director Sarah Wiggin, behind-the-scenes looks from production members such as choreographers and technical designers, musical sneak-peeks from company members, and exciting, special guest stars. All of it is brought together and hosted by Tent Company Member Emma Keifer.
This week’s edition opened with a warm and inviting welcome from Tent Theatre Artistic Director Sarah Wiggin. She introduced Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig and the content being covered in this episode, including a link to a special extended interview between Tent Theatre’s Moon Over Buffalo Director Alan Souza and Tent Company Member Robert Westenberg. She also, of course, thanked Tent Theatre’s generous sponsors KTXR, Med-Pay Incorporated, and Scaffoldmart.com. Sarah Wiggin was followed by incredible host Emma Keifer introducing the first performance- “Moon River,” music by Henry Mancini and lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
This acoustic cover, performed by Broadway Actor and M.S.U. T&D Faculty Member Lisa Brescia and Musical Theatre Composer and Singer Craig Carnelia, was just absolutely beautiful. It was done so smoothly and serenely, and watching these two perform together created the most comfortable and intimate feeling. It was truly well-done. After the performance was an array of fabulous Tent Theatre Company Members- actors, and production, and more- talking about what they love about the play Moon Over Buffalo. Director Alan Souza described it as “a masterfully drawn farce, but it’s a true romance. It’s a play about family and community. And, it’s a love letter to the theatre. Oh, and it’s so funny!” Scenic Designer Chris DePriest, Costumer Designer Erin Routh Smith, and Sound Designer Mark Putnam also shared with audiences the challenges surrounding the technical aspects of the show, including complexities of designs written in the script.
The next performance introduced by Host Emma Keifer was the song “Send Me The Moon” by Sara Bareilles and Sam Farrar. It featured a familiar face to Tent audiences, Tent Theatre Company Member Natalie Gorman, and was accompanied by Tent Orchestra Member Jason Loftin. To say this performance was just ethereal would be an understatement. Natalie and Jason together provided a serenading delivery of this poetic and gorgeously tranquil peace. Another truly well-done performance. Afterwards, Emma Keifer returned and introduced Director Alan Souza and Broadway Actor and M.S.U. T&D Faculty Member Robert Westenberg.
Together, they discussed the play, their connection to it, and what it means to them. Robert Westenberg stated that “It’s brilliant; it’s absolutely brilliant. It’s mechanically brilliant; I mean, the structure of the piece and the way all the pieces fall together is just genius.” Both also described the huge undertaking that is the show with its detailed complexity and outstanding use of developed humor. You can view their full, extended discussion and hear even more of what they had to say beyond this episode here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QzFqGP4Ffo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1IHinUxC1VH3hCO_tKpD6yjhcTG45pvSs7scgjuPyAj3LMxBnEf9LczWE.
The episode was brought to an end with a classic and timeless performance of “Fly Me To The Moon” by Bart Howard, featuring Tent Company Member Brian Myers Cooper. This jazzy, feel-good, and splendidly executed piece was the perfect ending to the second part of our virtual series, and it was made all-the-better with Brian Myers Cooper bringing in an adorable little guest-star of his own.
Tune In To Tent Part 2: Moon Over Buffalo Edition can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxnG2yJplpo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1d5B9M961_27gsQXsjMM1Hu9dK2Kte-YsBgfvgW2RwggDnW8VthwywFG4 or through the link provided on the official Tent Theatre Facebook page. Join us again for the release of the final episode of our virtual 58th season, ‘Tune In To Tent Part 3: The Producers Edition.’ It will also be available through the Tent Theatre Facebook page Thursday, July 23rd at 7:30pm.