The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Hillbilly twang ignites ‘Pump Boys ’
If it’s time for your car to fill up on high-test octane or to fuel your tummy with a hot cup of java and slice of pie, there’s no better place for both than Connecticut Cabaret in Berlin’s current offering, “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” a country western musical by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann. They all collaborated on the piece and performed it together on Broadway.
Aim your automobile straight for Highway 57, somewhere between Frog Level and Smyna, Ga., for a knee-slapping, foot-stomping Grand Ole Opry downhome musical hootenanny. The pumps will be open weekends until Saturday, March 17.
Don’t forget to order a slice of sweet potato or pecan pie. And be sure not to forget to leave them a generous tip. They’ll likely sing you a song to be sure you don’t fail to reach deep in your pocket.
If you have a few spare kitchen utensils like wooden spoons or silver spoons or jello molds, feel free to bring them along. They’ll sound right cheery next to the bass, piano, accordion, guitars and drums being featured by the pump boys Timothy Barton, TJ Thompson (who also doubles as musical director) Tony Galli, Jamie Sherwood and Tim Urso. The Cupp Girls are the spirited Cindy Lesser and Julie Lemos.
With a sensible philosophy of life that “work won’t kill you, but worry will,” this talented team take the audience on a musical tour that includes songs and ballads about lover boys, serving yourself, friendship, being the best man, taking life slow, catching a catfish, pleasing your grandmother, putting on your drinking shoes and party hats and moonshine.
With a distinct Southern flavor, Kris McMurray directs this homage to good, old country living that is sure to please your cracker soul.
For tickets ($30), call the CT Cabaret, 31-33 Webster Square Road, Berlin at 860829-1248 or online at www.ctcabaret.com. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:15 p.m. Be sure to pack goodies to share at your table or plan to buy them at the concession stand on site.