BUS STOP Comes to CENTERSTAGE, Now thru 12/23

CENTERSTAGE is gearing up for its next production, Bus Stop, an American classic by William Inge. A slice of Americana, served up by the imaginative direction of David Schweizer (The Rivals, Snow Falling on Cedars), Bus Stop begins previews tonight, November 21.

Transporting audiences to a Kansas diner on a snow-swept winter night, Bus Stop tells the romantic story of a group of strangers down on their luck in love and chasing their own piece of the America Dream. David Schweizer, a Baltimore native and CENTERSTAGE favorite, returns with his creative reimagining of Grace’s Diner in this 1955 classic by William Inge (Picnic). From the flurry of activity when a bus of strangers arrives mid-blizzard, to a lively second act song-and-dance variety show, Bus Stop’s nostalgic portrait of 1950’s America is the perfect complement to the bustle of the holiday season. Among the cast is Maryland-native Susannah Hoffman, who returns home to tackle the role of Cherie, made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1956 classic Joshua Logan film version.

The cast also features Malachy Cleary (Carl), Jack Fellows (Bo Decker), Kayla Ferguson (Elma Duckworth), Patrick Husted (Dr. Gerald Lyman), Mike Nichols (Will Masters), Larry Tobias (Virgil Blessing), and Pilar Witherspoon (Grace Hoyland).

The creative team includes set designer James Noone, costume designer Clint Ramos, lighting designer James F. Ingalls, sound designer Lindsay Jones, stage manager Laura Smith, assistant stage manager Captain Kate Murphy, dramaturg Susanna Gellert, voice and dialogue director Ashley Smith, fight director Lewis Shaw, and casting director Pat McCorkle.

Throughout the run of Bus Stop, CENTERSTAGE will host a series of pre- and post-show performances to get audiences into the spirit, featuring local bands playing the classics and holiday carolers from area schools. Come in from the cold, join in the festivities, and warm yourself with the lovely story of for a couple of hours with Bus Stop.

Bus Stop by William Inge, directed by David Schweizer, begins previews tonight, November 21. The show opens on Wednesday, November 28, and closes December 23. Tickets start at $10, and can be ordered online at www.centerstage.org/Bus, or by calling 410-332-0033.