In the middle of a howling snowstorm, a bus out of Kansas City pulls up at a cheerful roadside diner. All roads are blocked, and five weary travelers are going to have to hole up until morning. A nightclub chanteuse is being pursued and kidnapped by a 21-year-old cowboy with romantic intents; the proprietor of the cafe and the bus driver at last find time to develop a friendship of their own; a middle-age scholar comes to terms with himself; and a young girl who works in the cafe also gets her first taste of romance.
“It’s a little touch of what life used to be in 1955,” said Connie Murello-Todd, director of “Bus Stop.” “Some of the things they talk about still ring true and some things … life was so much simpler then.”
For its 50th season, The Belfry Theatre is reproducing shows from its history. “Bus Stop” was originally produced for the 1983-1984 season and directed by Jim Bray. This year’s show runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 15.
“This was the one that stood out for me,” Murello-Todd said. “Marilyn Monroe starred in the movie and I just thought it was cute. I just enjoyed it when I read it.”
Staying true to its timeframe has caused the cast some issues with props.
“They didn’t know you had to use opposing thumbs to unlatch the suitcase. They’d never seen a rotary dial telephone and didn’t know how to use the coffee maker,” Murello-Todd said. “It’s been fun to bring them into the ’50s. The first time Rose (Franzen) couldn’t get into the refrigerator because it latched was a hoot.”
The cast includes a group of veteran actors like John Whitaker and Ryan Shelton and newcomers to the Belfry stage like Addison D. Ahrendts, Rose Franzen and James Maratea.
“It has been one of the easiest shows I’ve directed,” Murello-Todd said. “It’s a very professional group and we’ve been able to dive into character development, nuances and gestures which we normally don’t have time to do.”
Returning to the Belfry stage after a long hiatus is Jeff Maess, who last appeared in “Light up the Sky.”
“That was about 30 years ago,” Maess said, adding he has acted in five other shows at different theaters since that time. “I’ve been interested in coming back. I saw their schedule and was interested in this show and next one, ‘Noises Off.’”
Maess said the script for “Bus Stop” is one reason he auditioned and enjoys the show.
“The thing that stands out for me is how well written it is,” he said. “I’ve been in different shows and learning lines, a well written show makes it that much easier.”
For his role as Virgil Blessing, Maess had to learn how to play the guitar.
“All the other guys in the case can play the guitar except for me,” he said. “They’ve been helpful.”
Know More
What: Bus Stop
Where: Belfry Theatre, 10690 Greenfield Ave. Noblesville
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 6, 7, 13 and 14; and 2 p.m. Feb. 8 and 15.
Cast: John Whitaker (Bo), Addison D. Ahrendts (Cherie), Jeff Maess (Virgil Blessing), Rose Franzen (Elma Duckworth), James Maratea (Carl), David Korff (Sheriff Will), Ryan Shelton (Gerald Lyman) and Jennifer Mauldin (Grace). The show’s hosts are Tara Douglas and Hank Kratky. The show is directed by Connie Murello-Todd with assistance from Evan Elliott.
Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for 12 and younger.
Info: http://thebelfrytheatre.com or 773-1085.
