Before he strums his first countrified chord, gentle Ben Thompson has Country Dinner Playhouse audiences eating their fried chicken right out of his greasy hands.
There’s no first, second, third or fourth wall in the playhouse’s amiable new staging of “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” a country-rock revue set in a gas ‘n’ guitar truck stop on Highway 57 somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, N.C.
“Pump Boys” isn’t even as deep as a slice of deep-dish apple pie. But it tastes just as good, and is calorie-free. Still, music aficionados should appreciate the skill it takes to pull off one of the only musicals in which the actors must play their own instruments.
Director Joel Ferrell has his friendly ensemble, led by the goofy Thompson as our narrator Jim, mingling with the dinner crowd before their plates have been cleared. When he asks “y’all to have fun with us, and we’ll have fun with you,” that pretty much sets the tone for a bouncy, foot-tapping evening that is blissfully short by dinner-theater standards.
There is a shallow attempt at a premise. The pump boys would rather pump guitar pedals than gasoline. They flirt with Prudie and Rhetta, sisters who run the Double Cupp Diner next door. They keep up their audience interaction throughout. But all that matters is the music, which ranges from toe-tappers (Drinkin’ Shoes”) to full-out rockers (“Mona”) to soft ballads (“Sisters”) to pristine harmonies (“Fisherman’s Prayer”) to the obligatory novelty song (“The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine”).
Louis Tucci, who starred in the 20th anniversary “Pump Boys” production in 2002, leads a stellar band on lead guitar. And while with one glance it’s no surprise why rugged Gary Floyd was cast as L.M. (Ladies Man), his great work on piano and accordion certainly is. There’s also a silent bass player Eddie (Ted Kuenz), and Ferrell has added a drummer (Tag Worley) to fill out the sound. If ever there was a manly musical (a big if), this is it.
The choreography is unremarkable, and the CDP sound system isn’t equipped to handle the demands of what is, in effect, a concert. And while Sarah Rex and Christine Rowan are adorable and talented singers, they should break loose and have more fun.
Still, “Pump Boys” is unexpected, expert and light as a feather duster.
“Pump Boys and Dinettes” | *** RATING
MUSICAL|Country Dinner Playhouse, 6875 S. Clinton St., Greenwood Village|Directed by Joel Ferrell|THROUGH JUNE 25|7:45 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays; 1:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays (dinner 90 minutes before)|1 hour and 45 minutes|$38-$44| 303-799-1410
