ROUTE 66

Roger Bean
March 5 - April 25
Stackner Cabaret

In My Own Words as Opposed to Somebody Else’s Words.

ROUTE 66 was a great success when we first produced it for Milwaukee Rep in 2001. That same year we brought back a new version of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES to the Stiemke Theater. In the ensuing years, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES has gone on to over 30 regional and commercial productions around the country, including an award-winning 18-month run in Los Angeles and a 16-month run Off-Broadway (there’s also a really great cast album – available at just about any music store that sells CDs.) In contrast, ROUTE 66 has played in many more theaters – over 125 theaters in 32 states – and has been out on two national tours. And it all started here, in your own Stackner Cabaret.

ROUTE 66 started its theatrical life in the Stackner as a one-act. Shortly after that original production, I was asked by the good people at Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland about creating an expanded version of the show for their theater. I jumped at the chance and began taking the show apart. We added new songs, took some songs away, added numerous costumes and locales and finally added that elusive intermission – all to make the show better, faster and funnier. Of course, you’ll be the final judge of that last part, but I do think funnier is a part of the equation here.

Last year, Associate Artistic Director Sandy Ernst called and asked me if I could put on an all-new version of the show for the Stackner. I had some time available in the winter – why oh why must you have so much snow in the winter? – and we started putting together a great production team. Alex Tecoma was brought back to bring the characters to life with his smart and always clever costume creations and Brandon Kirkham and Craig Gottschalk have created some amazing locales and destinations with scenery and lighting, respectively. A bright new music director is with us – Michael Borth – who was my music director for WONDERETTES in New York. And one of my favorite actresses, Bets Malone (Lana Mae in LANA MAE’S HONKY TONK LAUNDRY and Suzy in all three WONDERETTES productions), is here creating energetic and exciting choreography. She won’t be seen onstage, but you’ll see her amazing handiwork throughout. Richelle Harrington lends her steady hand as Stage Manager.

We’ve brought back two actors from previous shows of mine: Adam Estes (who played Lawrence/Laverne in THE ANDREWS BROTHERS), and Justin Robertson (who played Wally in LIFE COULD BE A DREAM). Newcomers Zach Robbins (MISS SAIGON), and Danny Calvert (ALTAR BOYZ), come from New York City to round out the cast.

It’s always a pleasure to come back to Milwaukee Rep and create something new and exciting for the patrons of the Stackner Cabaret. This audience has been so incredibly supportive over the years – I truly feel this has been a great artistic home for the past ten years. Ever since that first production (DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL!), my shows have been presented in every single state, and I’ve been able to entertain audiences all over the country with my silly and hopelessly upbeat sensibilities. It all started here – and I’m forever grateful to The Rep and to all of you who continue to attend and support live theater in these hard economic times.

Now come out and see what crazy shenanigans we’ve come up with in this all-new production of ROUTE 66. If you saw the show nine years ago, you know it’s a blast. But it’s also new and improved – like an exciting new type of laundry detergent. Well, an exciting new type of laundry detergent that sings and dances. And drives. And clogs. And plays spoons. Come and enjoy – you won’t be disappointed!

Oh – and as always – grab a drink from the bar first. Kristen and her staff will fix you up with just the right libation for lubing up your chassis. This is one highway where you can really drink and leave the driving to us.

Vroom, vroom!

Roger Bean, Creator/Director