Daily Pioneer News

"Pump Boys and Dinettes" delighted Heartland Festival crowds with its hometown charm during its opening weekend June 17-20.

PLATTEVILLE - With a potbellied mechanic proclaiming the alluring qualities of his "farmer tan" and a pair of waitresses tap dancing in their "drinkin' shoes," it readily becomes apparent that "Pump Boys and Dinettes" is a different kind of show.

The Heartland Festival production of the "Pump Boys and Dinettes" musical delighted audiences during its opening weekend at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Center for the Arts June 17-20.

"I wasn't sure exactly what it was going to be, but my wife said we should come and see what it was like," Platteville resident Randy Karsten said. "I'm glad we did. It was a lot of fun."

The thing that may separate "Pump Boys and Dinettes" the most from traditional theater productions is the audience participation. Karsten was among several audience members pulled from the crowd at certain points in the show to participate. UWP student Tim Lamers joined the cast on a dance number.

"It is good that they got the crowd interacting with them within the show. It made it that much more fun," Lamers said.

Billed as a country music review, "Pump Boys and Dinettes" is set within a gas station/diner along Highway 57. There the pump boys-Jackson, L.M., Eddie and Jim-dream of going fishing while the lovesick dinette sisters-Prudie and Rhetta Cupp-lament the hardships of a thankless occupation.

With nearly 20 songs celebrating the homegrown wisdom of a simpler time, "Pump Boys and Dinettes" is a musical with something for everyone, young and old. Some audience members liked the dinettes sizzling number "Tips," while others enjoyed the pump boys and their whimsical wishful thinking on "The Day Dolly Parton was Almost Mine."

Others found similitude in L.M.'s rousing tribute to the "Farmer Tan."

"That was a great song. I was born and raised on a dairy farm, so I've had a farmer tan my entire life," Lamers said.

While the show is largely a comedy, a few songs, such as Jim's heartfelt tribute to his grandmother "Mamaw," add a sentimental touch. Both Wilfred Budack and Caleb Reusser liked the Dinette's regretful remembrance "Sister."

"It showed the actors could do another side," Reusser said.

Patrice Steiner and Bob Middendorf both saw the musical opening night.

"This was my kind of show. It was very fast paced," Steiner said. "It's a treat to see out-of-town talent, to see something different that other talents can bring."

"It's just great to watch them work and see all that they can do," Middendorf said. "It was fantastic to see, and it was just great fun."

"Pump Boys and Dinettes" continues with performances on selected dates June 27-July 24. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for UWP students and for those under the age of 18.

For select performances June 19, July 3, July 17 and July 24, the CFA theater will be transformed into a dinner theater featuring catered meals, costumed wait staff and live music. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., preceding the 8 p.m. curtain. Tickets for the dinner theater performances are $22 for adults and $15 for UWP students and for those under the age of 18. Show-only tickets are available for these nights as well.