PicksInSix Review: Pump Boys and Dinettes

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“Pump Boys” Shake, Rattle and Roll!

What happens when a bus breaks down along that section of Highway 57 that intersects with North Dearborn and Oak in River North? You will discover the highly entertaining answer to that question when you venture out to Porchlight Music Theatre’s 27th season opener, a buoyant revival of “Pump Boys and Dinettes” now playing at Ruth Page Center for the Arts.

Written and composed by the collective of John Foley, Mark Harwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann who piloted the show to runs on Broadway and in London’s North End in the early 80s, the show has a remarkable and fascinating local backstory.

For those, like me, who either were not living here or not aware that it famously ran for over 2,500 performances at the Apollo Theater, the compact melody-filled 90 minutes has a bare thread of a story that connects with a warm-hearted neighborly song list that may not singularly appear in an audition, cabaret or on a piano bar hit list, except perhaps the hilarious ode to fame listed as “T.N.D.P.W.A.M” in the program because the title gives it all away. That said, when taken collectively as a wink and a nod to the popular themes of the country music of the 50s and 60s, “Pump Boys and Dinettes” transcends into a joyous, slap-happy, tongue-in-cheek tune fest all its own and serves as a dynamic showcase for the multi-talented singers and actors required to pull it off. And the cast that director Daryl Brooks and music director Robert Reddrick have assembled is certainly up to the task.

Three of the four Pump Boys–Jim (Ian Paul Custer), L.M. (Frederick Harris) and Jackson (Billy Rude)—are all individually fine, multi-instrument musicians, singers and actors. In fourth position is Eddie (Rafe Bradford) who plays the electric bass and has only a word here and there that’s buttoned by his engaging Cheshire cat grin. They all come to life on Sydney Lynne’s detailed and pristine set—with cozy lighting by Denise Karcewski—that’s equally divided between southern service station and charming, down home Double Cupp Diner, the roadside retreat of the irresistible Dinettes known as the Cupp sisters: Prudie (Shantel Cribbs) and Rhetta (Melanie Loren).

The company numbers “Highway 57”, Taking It Slow” and the Winnebago test drive to Florida “Vacation” and “No Holds Barred” are delightful. The featured performances and duets kick off with Harris’ upbeat “Serve Yourself.” For the spiritual angler, you’ll like the Pump Boys resolute “Fisherman’s Prayer” and “Catfish”. The earnest, plain-spoken enthusiasm of the company is the essential ingredient allowing the quieter more introspective ballads, like Custer’s beautiful rendition of “Mamaw” and Loren’s gritty “Be Good or Be Gone” to fully resonate. The Dinettes’ duets—“Menu Song”, “Tips” and “Sister”—all hit the high water mark.

At first glance, I thought that keeping an intermission in a show that moves so briskly might impact the overall pace. But the snappy act one closing number “Drinkin’ Shoes,” with some smooth choreography by Rueben D. Echoles, is a memorable highlight to a fun night that breezes by thanks to the homespun cast who play and sing their way into your heart.

PHOTO|Chollette

Porchlight Music Theatre
presents
Pump Boys and Dinettes
Ruth Page Center for the Arts
through December 12

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