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Bus Stop

Bus Stop

An American comedy stops at Pitlochry

A lot can happen in a single night . . .When a freak snowstorm blocks the highway west of Kansas City, the four passengers on the bus to Topeka are stranded at Grace`s restaurant. Read more …

Nightclub ‘chanteuse’ Cherie (played by Marilyn in the 1956 film made by 20th Century Fox) is trying to escape the clutches of Bo Decker, the wild young cowboy who has all but kidnapped her, intending to take her back to Montana and marry her - regardless of what Cherie thinks about the idea. Virgil, Bo`s faithful ranch hand, has done his best to restrain his hot-headed young boss, but to no avail. Bo isn`t listening to anybody.

Strangely, the fourth passenger, Dr. Lyman, a hard drinking academic with a passion for Shakespeare, appears considerably more interested in making sure the bus has crossed the state line than in its destination. Until, that is, he spies Elma, Grace`s wide-eyed, pretty, teenage waitress.

Bus driver Carl is more than happy to stop over – he and Grace seem, well...friendly. And Will, the local sheriff, is on hand to keep an eye on this company of misfits. Good thing, too, what with Bo trying to romance Cherie like he`s roping a steer, and Dr. Lyman wanting to teach young Elma about the joys of true love.
Come the morning, the snow has cleared and the bus can depart. But who will be on it? And where will they be headed?

A funny, romantic and moving story about of the search for happiness in a lonely world, William Inge`s 1955 comedy drama is a classic of modern American theatre.


The critical consensus

Superbly presented by director Ken Alexander.

Peter Cargill, The Stage

The Pitlochry company go neatly through their paces...but it is all a bit basic.

***(*)(*)Robert Dawson Scott, The Times

A tale of the American midwest that lies somewhere between Oklahoma and Sam Shepard.

****(*)Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

The stakes are low, but there is merit in the play's portrayal of the midwest.

***(*)(*)Mark Fisher, The Guardian

The theatrical equivalent of opening the oven door before the souffle has risen.

Joy Watters, The Courier

Where and when?

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry from Thursday June 3, 2010, until Thursday October 14, 2010. Playing in repertoire. Check with the theatre for dates and times.. More info: www.pitlochry.org.uk

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