Theatrical Review: Bus Stop

BUS STOP
Written by: William Inge
Directed by: Susan Butler
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Center Stage Players (CSP)* production of “Bus Stop” by William Inge. The play features an ensemble cast of characters allowing each member of the audience to establish a relationship not only with each one but themselves as well. The comedic aspects of the play allows us to explore the darker sides of these character by buffering of the inherent despair we encounter with laughter.

The play takes place in a Kansas Diner where a bus stops in the midst of a major blizzard. The roads become closed and the telephone service is disrupted due to the storm. The characters must wait until it’s safe to move on thus becoming isolated with one another and within themselves. This leads to a reexamination of their lives and the roles they play in it. Again, our developing relationship with each character encourages the audience to make similar explorations.

What happens in the play isn‘t as important as how those who experiences the situations they encounter respond to them. It’s the character created in the ensemble work that drives the play. Therefore, any production of “Bus Stop” rises or falls on the caliber of the actors who portray the roles. I’m happy to say the quality of the acting not only brings the play to new heights but it does so for the audience as well. The darker side of the characters were realistically explored with sincerity and pathos while the well time comic aspects of the play inspired the sort of laughter that keeps a smile in the heart long after the curtain call concludes.

The ensemble cast consisted of Rachel Hettinger as Cherie the “chanteuse” whose questionable singing career is interrupted by a cowboy who falls in love with her during a night of love making and decides to marry her in spite of her objections, Kevin Dwyer* as Bo Decker the cowboy who begin to realize the frailty of his own self assurance as he begins to understand the true meaning of love, Patrick Turner as Virgil Blessing Bo’s brother whose co dependent tendencies transforms to a deeper wisdom as he begins his own life’s journey alone, Alisha Espinosa as Elma Duckworth the waitress whose dreams of a bright future remain in tack even when they are met with manipulation and disappointment, Jack Butler* (who also served as Set Designer) as Dr. Gerald Lyman the alcoholic defrocked professor of Philosophy whose knowledge of the classical world is obscured by his disease as he seeks a cure through the youthful innocence he tries to manipulate into loving him, Kate Neville* (who also served as Publicity Liaison and Program/Flyer Designer) as Grace the owner of the diner called, “Gracie’s” in which everyone disembarks long enough to find the destinations to their travels lie within themselves, Glenn Geiser-Getz as Carl the bus driver who brought everyone to “Gracie’s” and will soon help them move on, and Dan Eash as Will Masters the Sheriff who serves as the voice of authority and reason serving as an echo to our own inner voice which leads us to our better selves.

“Buss Stop” by William Inge was Directed by Susan Butler* who also served as Set Designer while Lillian Gonzalez* served as Stage Manager. The Lighting Designer was Arthur Ritter. The Light and Sound Technician was Eric Dwyer. The set crew consisted of Mary Erm while Set Construction was completed by the Cast and Friends of The Center Stage Player (CPS)* as were the functions of the box office. Production Photographs were taken by Roselinda Karlson. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood. Group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary horn.

This production of “Buss Stop” by William Inge will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until May 11th and is recommended for those who would like to explore a wonderful comedy presented by excellent actors while looking into the darker sides of their natures. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentations will be “My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra” to be performed June 6th - July 13th and “Fame: The Musical” to be performed June 20th - August 9th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Production). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.