Pump Boys and Dinettes
A whole smorgasbord of original music is served up as La Comedia launches its 40th anniversary season with the comedy Pump Boys and Dinettes.
Event details
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Pump Boys and Dinettes
A whole smorgasbord of original music is served up as La Comedia launches its 40th anniversary season with the comedy Pump Boys and Dinettes. There’s sure to be something that satisfies everyone’s appetite between the tastes of country, rock, and blues songs that are featured, as well as a number of knee slapping laughs. The Pump Boys and Dinettes will remain open until March 1.
The show is set is a small town in North Carolina, where the Pump Boys work (at least sometimes) at a filling station/garage and at a diner, which they frequent. The Pump Boys are regulars, not just for the food, but to see the Dinettes. The Dinettes are as sweet and sugary as their homemade pies and their cups runneth over, I don’t mean with coffee! Similar to Hooter’s, in that no matter how the food is, it’s still an enjoyable dining experience.
The Pump Boys might be slow in fixing a transmission problem, but are quick to belt out a tune. They harmonize as smoothly as a six cylinder engine. Lead by L.M (Chris Beiser), the Pump Boys also consist of Jim (Kevin M. McDaniel) and Jackson (David Hurt). It’s always a pleasure when Beiser, who often serves as director, takes to the stage. He last appeared in Ring of Fire, but I’ve been a fan since his role in The Full Monty, a few years ago. You’ll be laughing for different reasons, when L.M reveals his beach body during ‘Farmer Tan.’
The Dinettes are Rhetta Cupp (Tina Shatto) and Prudie Cupp (Christine Zavakos) whose beauty is matched by the tone of their voices. One lucky member of the audience receives the opportunity to get up close and personal with Prudie, center stage, as she seduces him with the singing of ‘The Best Man.’ It’s tough to take your eyes off of the Cupp’s…err the Dinettes, whether they are singing or not.
The Pump Boys and Dinettes is lite on plot, but heavy in music. There’s very little dialogue in between each song and dance number, yet each character reflects their own personality. A highlight of the show is the wide range of music that’s not only featured, but vocally mastered. From fun songs like ‘Catfish’ (Pump Boys) to heartfelt slow songs like ‘Mamaw’ (Jim), every emotion will be touched upon. The Dinettes shine with their duet of ‘Sister’ and ‘Be Good or Be Gone (Rhetta).
Credit must also be given to the cast for their dance moves and ability to move in unison. A well-oiled machine, they handle the choreography with much grace. At least I assume everyone was in step, my eyes could hardly stray from Prudie’s long, svelte legs. They deserve a place on the playbill.
Don’t miss an enjoyable visit to see the Pump Boys and Dinettes at La Comedia through March 1.
Links & Tags
La Comedia Dinner Theatre
