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“Pump Boys” Opens Tonight!

Redlands Footlighters is excited to take a step away from the normal fare of comedy and mysteries and present its first musical since Nunsense II in 2008. Pump Boys and Dinettes opens Thursday and brings a new energy to the theater that will appeal to just about everybody.

The "Pump Boys" perform at Redlands Footlighters May 1-18. From left to right: Patrick Doran-Sheeran, Dennis Galuska, Glen Johnson, Paul Blatchley, and Steve Johnson. (Photo by Alan Merrigan.)

The “Pump Boys” perform at Redlands Footlighters May 1-18. From left to right: Patrick Doran-Sheeran, Dennis Galuska, Glen Johnson, Paul Blatchley, and Steve Johnson. (Photo by Alan Merrigan.)

Songs flow from the sentimental to the comical and have the Southern charm of Dolly Parton but also flavors of rockabilly, gospel, and soft rock.

Co-directed by brothers Steve and Glen Johnson, this remarkably talented cast mixes heartbreak and comedy through a series of country western songs that received unanimous raves on and off-Broadway. Theatergoers in Redlands will likely recognize this fantastic group of performers who usually spend their summers in Prospect Park with the Redlands Theatre Festival.

The “pump boys” work at a gas station along Highway 57 somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, North Carolina. In between customers, they double as a live band that features Glen Johnson, Steve Johnson, Patrick Doran-Sheeran, Paul Blatchley, and Dennis Galuska.

The "Dinettes" (Mia Mercado and Sandra Rice.) serve up pie at the Double Cupp Diner. Photo by Alan Merrigan.

The “Dinettes” (Mia Mercado and Sandra Rice.) serve up pie at the Double Cupp Diner. Photo by Alan Merrigan.

Across the road is the Double Cupp Diner where Prudie and Rhetta Cupp serve coffee and pie to the occasional hungry patron. Actresses Sandra Rice and Mia Mercado sing, dance, and join in with their collection of kitchen utensils.

This show is sure to make audience’s toes tap and leave them wanting more. The book, lyrics, and music are by the original performers of the show: John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, and Jim Wann.

Pump Boys and Dinettes will run for only 10 performances from May 1 to May 18. Evening performances begin at 8:00 p.m, with Sunday matinees starting at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $18. For reservations, please call 909-793-2909.