Pump Boys And Dinettes Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...performers Tammy Mader (who also choreographs) and Liza Jaine look and sound as fresh as daisies. And while the tad-too-clean guys behind the pumps could punch up the macho gestalt a tad—the performances struggle to fill the stage—there’s surely some premium singing, playing and charming from the guys in the garage, played by Alan Bukowiecki, Brian Burke and the very engaging Shaun Whitley in the lead role of Joe."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...Pump Boys is back now in a first-class revival at Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre that brings together the acquired wisdom and talent of two veterans of the show (director Shawn Stengel and musical director Malcolm Ruhl), a sparkling cast of six actor-musicians (who could easily go head-to-head with the cast of "Million Dollar Quartet") and a set design by Christopher Ash that is bound to make a "staycation" outing feel like a full-fledged, old-fashioned road trip through the South by way of Highway 57. It's just too bad they don't serve cherry pie in the lobby."

Daily Herald - Recommended

"...Drury Lane's revival is well-sung, well-played and cleverly percussive. Moreover, the show benefits from Shawn Stengel's informed direction. Stengel, who starred in the Chicago production and has directed more than a half dozen others around the country, is joined by music director Malcolm Ruhl, also a member of the Chicago cast and an understudy for the Broadway production."

Pioneer Press - Highly Recommended

"...If the works of Stephen Sondheim are the $500 beluga caviar service of musical theater, than "Pump Boys and Dinettes" is pure fried chicken and buttered grits. And in its current incarnation at Drury Lane, Oakbrook, "Pump Boys" is as irresistible as the latter to a long-haul trucker who hasn't eaten in 1,500 miles. Which is to say, you'll get no argument here but that Sondheim's a genius, but sometimes, a gal just gets a yen for Southern-fried Twinkies on a stick."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...You couldn't ask for a higher-quality revival of the 1982 musical. All six performers sing, dance, and play various instruments with such verve and energy it hardly matters that the score--an homage to country and western and rockabilly--offers one knockoff after another of better-known tunes."

Chicago Free Press - Highly Recommended

"...The wildly popular, good-time country-and-western musical “Pump Boys and Dinettes” is a hard-stompin’, hell-raisin’ theatrical guilty pleasure. The friendly, downhome locale is the Double Cupp Diner, an eatery run by the Cupp sisters (very believable in Christopher Ash’s detailed set). It’s also the favored hangout of the happy-go-lucky pump boys who run a garage on Highway 57 and whose philosophy is “Work won’t kill you but worry will.” (Together, the establishments promise, “You can eat and get gas.” Hee haw.)"

Copley News Service - Highly Recommended

"...Director Shawn Stengel has carved out a nice career performing in and directing “Pump Boys” and he finds the right meld of sentimentality and cheeky humor for the Drury Lane production. He knows he’s directing a delightfully corny show and not Shakespeare and the songs and chitchat come across as spontaneous fun, just like they should."

Centerstage - Highly Recommended

"...This refreshing, unassuming little musical was nominated for both a Tony and Drama Desk Award for Best Musical in 1982. The show is one of the first musicals where the actors not only sing but also accompany themselves on guitar, bass, piano, harmonica, accordion and percussive kitchen utensils. Through a combination of country, western, bluegrass and pop music, the six performers take us on an unpretentious journey through their hopes and dreams. Rousing good ol' boy tunes that celebrate fishing and drinking and sultry odes to lovers past and present dominate the score."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...The flavor, attitudes and personas of small town, rural Southern America was aptly depicted in this cute show. From haunting ballads to odes to grandma to a rocking number “Tips” where the two waitresses converge on the audience to solicit tips, Pump Boys thoroughly engages audiences."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...Pump Boys has some unusual casting demands as all the performers must be not only good singers but proficient musicians as well. Director Shawn Stengel and Musical Director Malcolm Ruhl, both longtime veterans of the show, have ensured that all six singer/actor/musicians are not only clear as a bell melodically but terrific company to while away the time with. They are also distinct and individual personalities, from Shawn Whitley's strapping good ol' boy Jim to Alan Bukowiecki's hilarious nerdy L.M., Brian Burke's silent mystery man Eddie and Jesse Kazemek's boy next door charmer Jackson."