Thinking about Denver’s construction-ridden Interstate 25 chocked with $3 a- gallon-gas-guzzling cars, an alternative route doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Highway 57 is the perfect detour.
It’s off Highway 57 where you can find fresh slices of pie, free refills of coffee, oil change services and musical entertainment at the Double Cupp diner and gas station, set in the musical “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” now playing at the Country Dinner Playhouse.
The upbeat country-themed show, only moderately-popular since its 1982 premiere in New York, tells the story of four men and two women working at the Double Cupp, located somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, N. C.
The sarcastic men play instruments and sing tunes whose lyrics make even the most ordinary subjects – like catfish or farmer tans – absolutely stimulating. The sisters, Rhetta (played by Sarah Rex) and Prudie (played by Christine Rowan), match their musical talents by singing about appropriate male behaviors and collecting jar tips throughout the day for their smiling services.
The characters focus on what many of us don’t – the simple things. They remind us that working shouldn’t be the focus of living life, especially when they sing the catchy “I Need a Vacation.”
Rhythm guitar player Jim (brilliantly portrayed by Ben Thompson) sums up the nature of the play when saying: “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but gets you nowhere.”
The other characters are L.M. on piano (played by Gary Floyd), Jackson on lead guitar (played by Louis Tucci, Eddie on bass (played by Ted Kuenz), P.K. on drums (played by Tag Worley).
The performers don’t just emotionally draw audience members in – they literally act when the audience has the opportunity to hold the phone during a conversation regarding repairs about Uncle Bob’s Winnebago, contribute to the Cupp sisters’ tip jar and have an opportunity to win a car air freshener.
The simplicity of the play only challenges the performers more. Luckily, their quick wit and top-notch pipes makes their performance seem effortless and fun.
The playhouse, located at I-25 and Arapahoe Road, is intimate in size and appearance, and makes every seat in the house a good one.
The stage, although very small in size, is cleverly utilized and centered among the tables. A buffet dinner is included in the price, which ranges from $38 to $44, but the performance far surpasses the food.
The buffet is “all-you-can-eat” and features simple country cooking. The dinner is by far not the reason to attend a performance but the convenience factor is an added bonus.
Drinks and dessert are not included in the buffet. The prices on these are items are quite steep. Dessert is served during the intermission by the “Barnstormers.”
The Barnstormers are a musical group made up of young perfirmers that always open the show. This night the band performed a rousing rendition of the Dixie Chick’s hit song “Sin Wagon.”
The price is cheap for the unique experience the playhouse offers. Where else can you get dinner and a show for $40 per person. Definitely consider the playhouse when thinking about a night on town if you are ready to do something different.
“Pump Boys and Dinettes” will be running until Sunday, June 25. The next show is “Swing!” a musical revival of 30s and 40s big band music. The show runs from June 28th through Sept. 10. The following show will be “Moon Over Buffalo” the new comedy written by Ken Ludwig. That show’s running dates have not been annouced.
Performances are Wednesdays through Sunday evenings with Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:45 p.m. Matinee doors open at noon with a performance beginning at 1:45 p.m.
For more information see www.countrydinnerplayhouse.com
