Spotlight On: Mike Zizka

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast of Moon Over Buffalo. Get to know the delightful Mike Zizka…

Please introduce yourself and tell me why you wanted to be in the cast of Moon Over Buffalo?

I’m Mike Zizka. Moon Over Buffalo is a non-stop comedic romp, full of great characters, zingy one-liners, and lots of physical comedy – just the thing for theater-goers looking to unwind on the weekend and laugh their heads off. As an actor, it’s a thrill to be able to bring that kind of pleasure to an audience.

Who do you play in the show and how do you relate to your character?

I play George Hay, a long-time, B-level stage actor who’s tenaciously trying to hang on to his roving theatrical career – and his ego – as the world changes in the 1950’s. As an “older” actor, I can relate to a lot of what George is feeling – time seems to be passing more quickly and “age-appropriate” roles are harder to come by. George also bemoans the fact that public attention in the 1950s has been shifting from the theater to movies and television – and no one is calling him!

What have been some of the funniest moments of playing your character?

There are too many to count! And I don’t want to give too much away. But I can say that the somewhat unusual production of Private Lives that occurs in Act 2 is my favorite scene. And the opportunity to interact with so many other great, sharply written characters has been a joy.

Why should audiences come and see Moon Over Buffalo?

This is truly a comedy that delivers laughs from start to finish. Many comedies use Act 1 to set up the punchlines in Act 2. Not this one! Moon Over Buffalo hits full speed in the very first scene, then continues to top itself as it moves along. The characters are marvelous, and my fellow actors are nailing them. For anyone who loves theater and comedy, this is the ticket.