A standing ovation is always a nice way to start a show run!

The Walsh Jesuit High School’s CenterStage Theatre tries its own hand at what the drama business calls, “repertory theatre” as they put on not one, but two plays each show of their run, November 16-20. CST will perform Janet Allard’s “Speed Date,” and directly following, they will do Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo.” Three more shows are available, November 19 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and the closing show is November 20^th at 2pm. All performances will take place in the school’s theatre, located at 4550 Wyoga Lake Rd., in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Both shows are directed by David Banks, in his 17^th year of directing plays and musicals for CenterStage Theatre.

In “Speed Date,” author Janet Allard pits seventeen crazy characters against each other as they try to win over each other’s hearts and minds while looking for love, but with the challenge that time is not their friend.

CST follows that play with “Moon Over Buffalo.” This show was on Broadway in the 1990s with Carol Burnett coming out of retirement to play the leading role of Charlotte. This show is in fact a play within a play, as it shows some of the zany challenges of a small, touring repertory theatre company has while performing “Cyranno de Bergerac” and Noel Coward’s “Private Lives,” when they receive word that they might have one more shot at stardom, as film director Frank Capra is coming to town to see their play!

Performing the role of Charlotte is Isabella Bertolini from Akron, and the role of George is portrayed by Robert Trushel of Stow. Mathew Blasio of Sagamore Hills plays love torn actor Paul, and the role of Roz is performed by Sylvie Staiger of Akron. Alex Ross from Brecksville plays the quirky weatherman, Howard, while Kaitlyn Gabric of Parma plays Eileen. Sawyer Krause of Hinckley plays the slick lawyer Richard, and Meghan McDonald of Cuyahoga Falls portrays the spunky grandmother, Ethel. In “Speed Date,” Alex Ross also plays the lead role of John, while Madison Gordon of Peninsula portrays the event facilitator, Laura.

Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for students and senior citizens, and the preview show price is $5.00 for all. They will be available online at www.walshjesuit.org or at the door. Show times are November 16 at 7pm(preview show), November 17 at 7pm, November 18 at 7:30pm, November 19 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and November 20 at 2pm.