It can be difficult and stressful to try and start up a new theatre company. There are just so many things that have to be taken into consideration, and there are always last minute items that pop up at the most inconvenient time. That being said, Bear Stage made their debut at the Jelkyl Theatre in St. Charles this past weekend and, all things considered, presented a pleasant and tuneful production of Pump Boys and Dinettes.
This musical revue revolves around the men and women who work at a truckstop located somewhere between Smyrna and Frog Level, North Carolina, along highway 57. The men take care of any automotive repairs that come their way, at least, when they're in the mood to actually fix something. The women are waitresses employed at the Double Cup diner, and for about an hour and a half they sing tunes that explain their love for what they do, and reveal amusing and interesting things about their various personalities.
John Sparger leads the group as Jim, and he has the right enthusiasm and "aw shucks" attitude for the job. Sparger explains the philosophy that they all live by, which states that "hard work is good, but worry will kill you". Sparger lights up the stage whenever he takes the spotlight, and he also impresses with his talent on acoustic guitar, six string banjo, and saxophone. Only the mawkish and oddly sentimental tune "Mawmaw" spoils an otherwise upbeat performance.
Mark Applebaum is also good as Jackson, a fellow pump boy, who gets a chance to shine on his solo number "Mona". Applebaum also contributes some nifty picking on acoustic guitar, and even busts out a couple of tasty solos during the course of the evening. Kevin Hester plays the deadpan L.M. who runs the place, and he maintains his stoic demeanor until breaking out some nifty dance moves with the Double Cup girls. He gets his best moment during "T.N.D.P.W.A.M.", otherwise known as "The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine".
Denorah Saldana and Courtney LaBelle play the waitresses Prudie and Rhetta, respectively, and both acquit themselves well vocally. Together they share a surprisingly tender duet called "Sisters".
Director Kelly Ross Kerr keeps the action hopping for the most part, but I think the performances overall could stand to be a bit broader. I also think the waitresses would look more authentic with some towering beehives atop their heads. The set design by Jonathan Elkins is simple and effective, with some very well done signage utilized to set the mood. Musical director Sallie duMaine also doubles on piano and does pretty good work here. Rocky Rowe and Michelle Rowe keep the rhythm in check on drums and bass, respectively. Melissa Maddox keeps the actors illuminated and sets the various moods with her lighting scheme. Daniel G. Mauk's sound mix was weak vocally during the first act, but seemed to improve during the second.
For a debut production, I think Bear Stage has done a pretty solid job of getting this show up and ready for public consumption. Some issues with the sound will need to be worked out since the humor of this piece depends on lyrical clarity, but all the other technical aspects were covered nicely.
