Around this time every year the drama team and its courageous cast sets forth to produce a play that displays their talent and entertains the TJ audience.
by Rhea Boyd
photo by Manny Perez
Straying from its normal dramatic fall play, the drama team prepares to make the audience chuckle with Moon Over Buffalo on November 6th, 7th and 8th.
Junior Mina Bradley and Senior Manny Perez will be the leads in MOB. Even though the two have never performed on stage together, they are both eagerly anticipating the opportunity. “I saw Manny in the one-acts last year and now I get to work with him – it’s great,” said Bradley.
Drama fans may recognize Bradley from TJ’s production of Chicago last spring, but this year she is showing a different side. Far from her intense Russian character in Chicago, Bradley takes on a more light-hearted role with MOB. “Comedy is easier to work with. You can overact and not have to worry about it being over the top,” she said.
George Hay is the main character of the play. He is a director at a playhouse and Charlotte Hay is the name of Bradley’s character, who is an actress and the wife of George. “She’s quirky and has some really funny lines. I think the crowd will love her,” Bradley said.
“I love Mina. She’s Charlotte to a ‘t’ and I love cheating on her – as George of course,” said an enthused Perez.
Every fall and spring the drama club and its director, Michael Palmieri, put on a production. What has been the norm for many years is the dramatic play in the fall and a musical in the spring. Last year the fall play was Madwoman of Manhattan. The production was a hit but nothing like the success of the spring musical. Chicago was popular among the students and with the community as well.
The cast members and tech crew have been working hard trying to perfect the production in time for the curtain to rise early this month. “So far it has come together miraculously. Everyone fits,” Bradley claimed.
Moon Over Buffalo has its chance to shine on November 6th, 7th, 8th in TJ’s own auditorium. Tickets are now on sale in the treasurer’s office.
Cast list:
Manny Perez as George Hay
Mina Bradley as Charlotte Hay
Natalee Pinson as Rozalind
Hay Dan Rios as Paul Alex Burns as Howard
Liz Hayes as Ethyl
Caleb Johnson as Richard
Cyrano’s Soldiers: Gracie Wood, Maggie Barbour, Audrey Morris-Reihl
