Pump Boys and Dinettes

On February 4, 1982 the friendliest, happiest show in town opened on Broadway at the Princess Theatre. There had been nothing like it before and audiences and critics fell in love with its down-home, earthy celebration of friendship and the simple things in life. With songs that celebrated the gifts of friendship, vacations, hard work, fishing, and color TV, Pump Boys and Dinettes garnered three Tony Award nominations and two Drama Desk Award nominations.

Set in a gas station and diner, the “Double Cupp Diner,” on Highway 57 somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, NC, the musical stars four gas station attendants (L.M., Jackson, Jim, and Eddie) and two waitresses (Prudie and Rhetta Cupp) who sing and play all manor of instruments including kitchen utensils. The music is a quirky, highly imaginative blend of country, rock-a-billy, swing, rock and roll and jazz. One selection, “The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine”, reached number 67 on the Hot Country Songs charts.

Pump Boys and Dinettes was created by two friends, Jim Wann and Mark Hardwick who experimented with the concept while playing five nights a week at a New York steakhouse. The idea took off from there and with the help of contributors and fellow performers John Foley, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, and John Schimmel, they made their way from Off-Broadway to the bright lights of Broadway and on to London’s West End.

In this national tour, Pump Boys and Dinettes is directed by Curt Wollan, with choreography by Wendy Short Hays. Featuring wacky musical numbers with genres as varied as swing, rock-a-billy, jazz, and country, Pump Boys and Dinettes is the catchiest musical you’ll see all year.
Partial proceeds to benefit The Salvation Army of Martin County
For 151 years, the Salvation Army has provided services to families and individuals in distress. Today it serves in 127 countries around the world. In Martin County, we provide necessities for those in need with things like food, clothing, hygiene kits, bus passes, and emergency financial assistance for rent, utility payments and prescriptions. We operate Compassion House, a transitional shelter for homeless women and children, where women are given the resources and support they need to become self-sufficient and avoid homelessness. We also offer free children's programs, free toys and clothes in our Angel Tree Christmas program, a weekly soup kitchen, a homeless ministry and emergency disaster services. We strive to do the most good for those most in need.