The Indianapolis Civic Theatre's current production is "Bus Stop." The play was made into a film in 1956, starring Marilyn Monroe, but it isn't one that pops up frequently on midwestern stages.
It's a strange little story. A bus headed to Topeka, Kan. is stranded overnight at a diner when a snowstorm blocks the roads. As the travelers make their way off the bus we meet a nightclub singer, Cherie, a hotheaded cowboy, Bo, and his sidekick Virgil, and a strange professor with a penchant for booze and young girls.
Paul Hansen plays Dr. Lyman, the Shakespeare quoting drunk. He does a wonderful job portraying the tragic character, but it's painful to watch his scenes. You can't help feeling uncomfortable as he sweet talks a naive, young waitress. He's a man filled with remorse and disgust for himself and his lack of self-control.
The set was excellently done. The '50s diner provided a simple set up with good details. The waitresses costumes were particularly fun. The show is split up into three acts with the only intermission positioned after the first act, only 30 minutes into the show.
Tobin Strader and Carrie Bennett Fedor enhance the show as the local sheriff and the brassy diner's owner. They're characters feel like they could be from any small town in America, making the show more accessible. As the play wraps up you're left wondering how all of the oddball characters will fare in the future as they go their separate ways.
Don't Miss the Show
Performances: Performances begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The show continues until Feb 7. The Indianapolis Civic Theatre is located at 3200 Cold Spring Road on the Marian College campus.
Tickets: Ticket prices start at $25 and can be purchased by calling (317) 923-4597 or visiting www.civictheatre.com.
For more information of to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatre.org.
Photos courtesy of Aladin Images, Inc
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