It’s a Gas

From the Theater Vault Dept.: Talk about a fairy-tale world. For a few seasons over thirty years ago, the Cohoes Music Hall was home to Heritage Artists, a professional theater ensemble heavy on musicals that guaranteed excellence. Talk about evanescence! Nothing at all comparable has taken its place in the Albany area. Even as trivial a piece as “Pump Boys and Dinettes” proved stellar.

                                                                                        

IN THE FAIRY-TALE WORLD of musical theater, characters are inclined to sing for what seems to be any reason. Sometimes they burst into song when you least expect it; sometimes they tire you with it; sometimes it seems that they’ll never stop talking get on with the singing.

“Pump Boys and Dinettes” features almost no talking. Short, and short on plot, it simmers from song to country-flavored song with a wit and sparkle that leaves you dazzled. As the season-closer for Heritage Artists, it’s been setting the Cohoes Music Hall rocking to the antics of a quartet of good ol’ boys at a gas station somewhere on Highway 57 in North Carolina – and the sassy sisters who run the neighboring diner.

Let’s put it on the line here: there’s absolutely no reason not to see this show. The performers, all of whom sing and play instruments and even dance from time to time, are the sort you wish would show up at your company picnic and take over the entertainment. The music, all  country-flavored, will appeal to anyone who enjoys good music and has no objection to laughing now and then.

The tickets don’t cost much more than what you’d pay to see a couple of movies, and this is an event that stays with you longer.

Robin Haynes returns to the Cohoes Music Hall to play Jim, the guitar-toting gas-station attendant, a complete contrast to his appearance in “Billy Bishop Goes to War,” but no less superb. He displays the same boyish effervescence that made his previous stint here such a winner.Deb Girdler makes it six for six with Heritage Artists this season as she steals the stage with her portrayal of the fiery Rhetta Cupp.

Rounding out the band are David Young at the keyboards, Kim Story with guitar and a secret yearning to be like Elvis, and bassist Adam Graham as a silent, sexy presence. And Joellyn Young as Rhetta’s sister, Prudie, is so suffused with sensuality that she could set strong men to chewing linoleum.

“Pump Boys and Dinettes” is about as lightweight as they come, but with more talent in evidence (and, no doubt, behind the scenes) than anything you’ll find on TV. So go out and see it.

Pump Boys and Dinettes
Directed by William S. Morris
Cohoes Music Hall, through May 28

– Metroland Magazine, 18 May 1989