Cody Siragusa with Christina Hall/Photo: David Heimann
RECOMMENDED
Country living’s not my thing. I find that which is down-home and cornpone kind of cringe-worthy. But if you put enough catchy energy behind it, I’ll buy anything. That’s what kept me engrossed in Theo Ubique’s latest; it’s a hayseed hoedown with heart.
There’s not much to the” Pump Boys” book; it’s just a slice of life from the good ole boys down to the filling station on Highway 57 and the sassy sisters over to the Double Cupp Diner, where “everything’s good.” But the songs hold up well after thirty years and the talented ensemble (Courtney Crouse, Jim DeSelm, Christina Hall, Cody Siragusa, Danni Smith and Alex Stage) invest the numbers with sly charm and an enthusiasm that doesn’t overwhelm. Director Fred Anzevino keeps the pace hopping, and Adam Veness’ set design transforms the tiny No Exit space into a suitably weathered garage/diner. Buy a drink, a slice of pie and enjoy. (Lisa Buscani)
“Pump Boys and Dinettes,” Theo Ubique at The No Exit Café, 6970 North Glenwood, (800)595-4849. Through January 15.
Related Stories
A Dose of Soul: A Review of Pump Boys & Dinettes at Porchlight Music Theatre The show is a small miracle, surviving four decades and its corn-poney Southern-ish roots and emerging largely free of the pre-woke landmines rife in musical theater of "Pump Boys’" vintage and before…due in large part to the skillful adaptation by Chicago director Daryl Brooks who imports a strong, rousing dose of soul into the show’s mix.
