[NEohioPAL]Berko review: PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES (Porthouse)

[Roy Berko]

‘PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES’--a perfect summertime escape
at Porthouse

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

In 1982 ‘PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES,’ a version of which
is now appearing on stage at Porthouse Theatre on the
grounds of Blossom Center, was the Tony Award winner
for “Best New Musical.”  It ran for 573 performances
on the Big White Way.

If you go to see the production at Porthouse, don’t
expect to see a story line show.  The script is
tale-light, though this version is talent heavy.  The
story, at least the general “plot” outline, centers on
the goings on of 4 males (the pump boys) and 2 females
(the dinettes) who work at a gas station/dinette
somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, North
Carolina. 

The music, which is mostly from country/hillybilly
rock/pop music genres, including some “pump rock”, is
mostly unknown.  None of the songs went on to any
great fame, but they all “kind a’” sound familiar. 
Titles include, “Fisherman’s Prayer,” “Vacation,” “”No
Holds Barred,” and “Serve Yourself.”  

The Porthouse cast is excellent.  The talented
musicians, who play everything from piano to harmonica
to guitar to electric base to accordion, are
wonderful.    The singing is also mighty fine.

Since many of the lines are ad libbed, right from
getting a volunteer out of the audience to play Uncle
Bob, to handing out fresh baked apple pie, to having a
raffle for a “real honest to goodness” car
air-freshener, the performers have to be up on their
quick thinking game.  They pass the test with flying
colors, especially Chris Blisset, the guitarist and
chief trouble maker.   Besides his fine joking around,
his version of “Mamaw” was a vocal highlight.

Ian Lowe not only plays a “mean pie-ana,” but has a
charming presentational style.  His “T.N.D.P.W.A.M
(The Night That Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine)” was one
of the evening’s delights.

Laura Cook, could have used more animation and
playfulness, but her “The Best Man” was presented with
a nice country sound.

Gary Thobaben, he of the wild black Mohawk wig and no
facial expression, made quite a presence, though he
only had a single line.

Laura Beth Wells was a hoot as the sexy come-hither
waitress.  She teased with the audience, and rocked
through “Be Good or Be Gone.”  W. James Koeth was
dynamic in “Mona.”

Director Eric van Baars paced the show well and kept
the tone well-focused.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:  ‘PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES’ is
perfect summer time escapist entertainment.   If you
just want to sit outdoors amidst the chirping of the
birds and insects, and hear some “good-ol’” music
encased in “down home talkin’,” then this is your
“thang.”  You’ll find yourself “Taking It Slow,” until
“Closing Time” and then  taking “Highway 57” (or Route
8) home.

‘PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES’  continues at KSU’s Porthouse
Theatre, through June 30.   For tickets call
330-672-4102. or 800-304-2363.


Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info
      
Roy's theatre and dance reviews appear regularly on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.fredsternfeld.com/mailman/listinfo/neohiopal.  His reviews also appear on www.coolcleveland.com


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