Stage Write

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 particul...