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THEATER Next Stage Repertory keeps 'Bus Stop' moving Comment By Angela Decker for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Angela Decker for the Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 5, 2015 at 1:53 PM By Angela Decker for the Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 5, 2015 at 1:53 PM » Social News Next Stage Repertory Theater’s production of William Inge’s 1955 play “Bus Stop” breathes new life into a classic story, says Artistic Director Doug Warner. “It can be a challenge to make an older play connect with modern audiences, but this is an incredibly well-written play and we have some amazing actors,” Warner says. “People enjoy period pieces, but the flip side is that in the '50s, we received stories differently. Now we want events to happen faster. Our production stays true to the story and the period, but we’ve kept things moving.” The award-winning play is an enduring American drama, with some romance and comedy. When a snowstorm hits a tiny Midwestern town, exhausted passengers on a bus take refuge overnight in a diner. Romantic and platonic relationships are formed as a couple of cowboys, an aspiring singer, an alcoholic college professor, a bus driver, a wise local sheriff, a snappy cafe owner and a young waitress share the dark hours together. Warner, who directs the show, says the play explores themes of loneliness, love and self-discovery that still resonate with people today. “I like to choose plays that in some way leave the audience feeling changed afterward,” he says. Next Stage performances of “Bus Stop” will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Craterian Theater, Medford. All tickets are $18 and can be purchased at the box office at 16 S. Bartlett St., by calling 541-779-3000, or online at craterian.org . Inge, a contemporary of playwrights Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams, often dramatized the longing, humor and warmth of everyday characters, placing them in circumstances where they have to cope with their personal desires. After its Broadway debut, “Bus Stop” was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Play, in 1956. Marilyn Monroe and Don Murray starred in a loose film adaptation of the play, and it was adapted into a television series in the 1960s. A primary element in this production, Warner says, is the strong cast. “It’s very much an ensemble, though the principle story is between a Montana cowboy and a nightclub singer.” Stephanie Jones, who played Rita in Next Stage’s production of “Educating Rita” earlier this year, plays Cherie, the nightclub singer. Jeremy Kotler plays Bo Decker, the cowboy. “These two are a delight to work with,” Warner says. The cast also includes Presila Quinby, Marlena Gray, Eric Hagerman, Joe Charter, Jack Seybold and Carl Jones. “I look for actors who are very good to work with and very versatile. I like to work with teams of people who give strong nuanced performances,” he says. In addition to the fine actors, Warner says he is especially pleased with the production team and the 1950s era set designed by in-residence designer Gabriel Ash. “It’s a simple set, but a real step back in time. I think it perfectly evokes the period,” Warner says. The production crew includes Julie Bangs, Donna Boehm, Brad Nelson and Stephen McCandless. “We’re also a great team. We don’t have a big budget, so everyone pitches in on costumes, props and whatever we need.” Warner adds that he hopes audiences are as moved by the play as he is. “Good theater has substance and depth. This play is good theater. It has the potential to change us or at least touch something in us,” Warner says. “‘Bus Stop’ is a heartwarming, well-written story, and those types of stories are rare these days.” Angela Decker is a freelance writer in Ashland and can be reached at [email protected]. By Angela Decker for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Angela Decker for the Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 5, 2015 at 1:53 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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