Photo Flash

First Look at Paper Mill Playhouse's Pump Boys and Dinettes

The production stars Alysha Umphress, Gabe Bowling, and more, with direction by John Foley.

Bethany Rickwald

April 6, 2016

Paper Mill Playhouse has released photos from its production of Pump Boys and Dinettes, which is set to run April from 6-May 1. The musical is directed by cocreator John Foley, with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter.

The full cast of Pump Boys and Dinettes at Paper Mill Playhouse. — The full cast of *Pump Boys and Dinettes* at Paper Mill Playhouse.
(© Jerry Dalia)

Conceived, written, and originally performed by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, and Jim Wann, Pump Boys and Dinettes is a tribute to life on the road. It tells the story of four gas station attendants and two waitresses at a small-town dinette in North Carolina.

Alysha Umphress gets a little bit country as Rhetta.
(© Jerry Dalia)

The company includes Alysha Umphress (Rhetta), James Barry (Jim), Gabe Bowling (Jackson), Julie Foldesi (Prudie), Jason Ostrowski (L.M.), and Sam Weber (Eddie).

As Jackson, Gabe Bowling takes center stage at Paper Mill Playhouse.
(© Matthew Murphy)

The creative team is made up of Michael Schweikardt (scenic design), Brian Hemesath (costume design), F. Mitchell Dana (lighting design), Randy Hansen (sound design), and Jodi Mancuso (hair and wig design).

Jason Ostrowski, Sam Weber, James Barry, and Gabe Bowling as the Pump Boys.
(© Matthew Murphy)

The original production ran 573 performances on Broadway and was nominated for Tony and Drama Desk Awards. It was revived at New York City Center in 2014 as part of the Encores! Off-Center series.