**** Recommended **** I’m not a fan of country music, but Porchlight Music Theatre’s new production of Pump Boys and Dinettes is a toe-tappin’ good time. Pump Boys and Dinettes, one of my favorite feel-good musicals, is a guaranteed audience pleaser and perfect for a smaller venue. If you’re looking for a good time, you’ll want to head over to the Ruth Page Center for a performance. I give Pump Boys and Dinettes 4 Spotlights.
The original Pump Boys and Dinettes, John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann, originally wrote the music, lyrics and book as a performance vehicle for themselves, then went on to star in Pump Boys and Dinettes on Broadway.
(L to R) Billy Rude+, Frederick Harris=, Ian Paul Custer+, Melanie Loren* and Shantel Cribbs* in PUMP BOYS & DINETTES from Porchlight Music Theatre, now playing through Dec. 12th
On Highway 57, somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, the Pump Boys are not too busy pumping gas. Jim (Ian Paul Custer) and L.M. (Frederick Harris) own the garage, Jackson (Billy Rude) and Eddie (Rafe Bradford) work for them. Right next door, Rhetta Cupp (Melanie Loren) and her sister, Prudie (Shantel Cribbs), the Dinettes, are serving pie and coffee at the Double Cupp.
Pump Boys and Dinettes could be problematic to cast because it requires four musicians who can both sing and act. I’m happy to say that Porchlight found four really talented guys.
(L to R) : Frederick Harris on piano, Billy Rude on lead guitar, Ian Paul Custer on rhythm guitar, Rafe Bradford on bass.
The Dinettes are always ready to grab a tambourine, a pair of spoons or some other kitchen instrument and play along.
(L to R) The Dinettes - Shantel Cribbs* and Melanie Loren*
Although there’s not much of story line, the songs give us a glimpse into their lives. Prudie is sweet on LM, but he seems to be oblivious. Jim is dating Rhetta, but she’s ignoring him because he skipped a date. It seems Jim completely forgot he had a date when his new fishing license came in the mail.
If you’ve ever gone fishing – or lived with someone who likes to fish – you’ll enjoy Fisherman’s Prayer and Catfish. Jim even pays tribute to the woman who was the absolute best at cooking his fish, his grandmother, in Mamaw. Even though Jim said he was sorry, Rhetta warned him to Be Good or Be Gone. At quitting time (intermission), they all put on their Drinking Shoes.
One day, L.M., who never comes out of his office, left on a mysterious trip. When he came back, he was in a daze, clutching a picture and singing T.N.D.P.W.A.M.” (The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine).
Over at the Double Cupp, Rhetta and Prudie demand Tips. Although they grew up together, they’ve never been friends, but in a song called Sister, they agreed to try again. Finally, Rhetta has had it, announcing that she needs a Vacation.
The Pump Boys were all in on that. In fact, their uncle’s Winnebago (which has been up on blocks for months while they ‘worked’ on it) was ready for a ‘test drive.’ Shutting down the garage and the diner, they left town heading south.
Once he’d chosen this diverse cast, Director Daryl D. Brooks realized that a song called Farmer Tan just wouldn’t work. When he contacted one of the writers, Jim Wann, who wrote a brand new song, Surf Castin’ Man to replace it.
Note: Guests must show proof of vaccination before entering the theater. Guests are required to wear masks while inside the building.
Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of Pump Boys and Dinettes runs through December 12th at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Valet parking is available. Running time is 90 minutes with an intermission. Performances are: Thursdays at 7:00 pm; Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 & 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm; with a weekday matinee Thursday, December 2nd at 1:30 pm. Tickets range from $45 - $74. FYI (773) 777-9884 or www.porchlightmusictheatre.org.