Cookie (played by Roseann Kenyon) is just trying to run her business, but has to deal with the daily irritations of salespeople, such as Roscoe (played by David Lussier), and the ornery regular customer, Otis (playned by Gary Eberly), who camps out at her diner in the comedy “It Happened on Route 66” August 8-10 at Quonset Hut Theater in downtown Athens.
(Photos by Kristy Smith)
By Kristy Smith
Athens Community Theater (ACT) will present the Todd Wallinger play “It Happened on Route 66” August 8-10 at the Quonset Hut Theater in downtown Athens. Two previous Wallinger-authored plays, “The Enchanted Book Shop” and “The Butler Did It,” were audience favorites at the theater.
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado, “It Happened on Route 66” is being directed by Laura Martinez. While she has appeared in previous ACT productions and directed plays elsewhere, the Route 66 comedy marks her directorial debut at the Quonset Hut Theater.
As a teacher, Martinez thought directing “It Happened on Route 66” over the summer months would be ideal timing-wise because she would be on summer break. “But summertime also means vacations, camp, reunions and other activities. It’s made it hard to get everyone together at the same time,” she said.
Another member of the production who brings experience from elsewhere but is new to that role at Quonset Hut Theater is actor Paul Snyder. “He has the rest of us doubled over in laughter at the delivery of his lines as the character Roscoe,” Martinez said. “He’s been a nice addition to our cast.”
In addition to Snyder, the cast of “It Happened on Route 66” includes Gary Eberly (Otis), Roseann Kenyon (Cookie), David Lussier (Fred), Tabbi Deeren (Sally), Madison Jones (Lovey), Jennifer Nichols (Babs), Brad Kenyon (Earl), Annette Kukla (Gladys), Thaddeus Lussier (Victor), Allison Price (Twyla), Linda Kenyon (Delores), Katrina Nichols (Judy), Braydon Haan (Max), Shannon Kenyon (Johnny) and Noble Vater (Elvis).
Nick Enlow designed the set with the help of cast member Noble Vater, who is one of the many zany characters who show up on it during the light-hearted, family-friendly show. The action takes place entirely in a 1950s diner along America’s historic Route 66.
Martinez characterizes “It Happened on Route 66” as a heart-warming, feel-good story that’s perfect for summer fun. It offers a humorous audience experience with nostalgic undertones and a timeless message.
Theater-goers can get further kicks with this Route 66 experience via the specialty-flavored popcorn and other concessions available before, during and after the show by “The Popcorn Lady” Sarah Grubb-Jordan of J’s Food Cart.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8; 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10. Tickets are $10 at the door. The production is approximately two hours in length, including a short intermission. Quonset Hut Theater is located at 132 N. Capital Avenue in downtown Athens. For additional information, call 269-29-5278.
Athens Community Theater (ACT) will present the Todd Wallinger play “It Happened on Route 66” August 8-10 at the Quonset Hut Theater in downtown Athens. Two previous Wallinger-authored plays, “The Enchanted Book Shop” and “The Butler Did It,” were audience favorites at the theater.
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado, “It Happened on Route 66” is being directed by Laura Martinez. While she has appeared in previous ACT productions and directed plays elsewhere, the Route 66 comedy marks her directorial debut at the Quonset Hut Theater.
As a teacher, Martinez thought directing “It Happened on Route 66” over the summer months would be ideal timing-wise because she would be on summer break. “But summertime also means vacations, camp, reunions and other activities. It’s made it hard to get everyone together at the same time,” she said.
Another member of the production who brings experience from elsewhere but is new to that role at Quonset Hut Theater is actor Paul Snyder. “He has the rest of us doubled over in laughter at the delivery of his lines as the character Roscoe,” Martinez said. “He’s been a nice addition to our cast.”
In addition to Snyder, the cast of “It Happened on Route 66” includes Gary Eberly (Otis), Roseann Kenyon (Cookie), David Lussier (Fred), Tabbi Deeren (Sally), Madison Jones (Lovey), Jennifer Nichols (Babs), Brad Kenyon (Earl), Annette Kukla (Gladys), Thaddeus Lussier (Victor), Allison Price (Twyla), Linda Kenyon (Delores), Katrina Nichols (Judy), Braydon Haan (Max), Shannon Kenyon (Johnny) and Noble Vater (Elvis).
Nick Enlow designed the set with the help of cast member Noble Vater, who is one of the many zany characters who show up on it during the light-hearted, family-friendly show. The action takes place entirely in a 1950s diner along America’s historic Route 66.
Martinez characterizes “It Happened on Route 66” as a heart-warming, feel-good story that’s perfect for summer fun. It offers a humorous audience experience with nostalgic undertones and a timeless message.
Theater-goers can get further kicks with this Route 66 experience via the specialty-flavored popcorn and other concessions available before, during and after the show by “The Popcorn Lady” Sarah Grubb-Jordan of J’s Food Cart.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8; 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10. Tickets are $10 at the door. The production is approximately two hours in length, including a short intermission. Quonset Hut Theater is located at 132 N. Capital Avenue in downtown Athens. For additional information, call 269-29-5278.
Lovey, a waitress of mysterious origin (played by Madison Jones) can’t seem to get the hang of taking the orders of diner customers (left to right) Shannon Kenyon, Annette Kukla, and Thad Lussier. Her identity eventually becomes known in Athens Community Theater’s production of “It Happened on Route 66.”
