GET YOUR KICKS AT MAINSTAGE!
‘Route 66
’ Could Rival ‘
Forever Plaid’

Left to right: Robert J. Townsend, Scott Dreier and Paul James Kruse. Photos by ken Jacques

Some people probably think Orrin and Cheryl Day were crazy to create the Mainstage Theatre and try to bring culture and quality entertainment to Ramona. After all, it’s just a short ride down the hill to everything that San Diego has to offer, so why try to compete with the big boys!?! Sure, a first-run movie might fly with the locals, but live theatre? Not a chance! A musical? Even less of a chance!

But, the Days may have just hit paydirt, and Ramona — in fact, all of San Diego County — is the better for it for introducing the outstanding musical production of Roger Bean’s Route 66 with musical arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Baker. Featuring veteran actors and musicians Scott Dreier, Paul James Kruse, Spencer Moses, and Robert J. Townsend, this is no run-of-the-mill production — it is definitely first-class in the genre of the ever-popular and long-running Forever Plaid which ran for who-knows-how-many years at the San Diego’s Theatre in Old Town and is still filling seats in theatres all over the country, and it is surely no coincidence that two of the actors are former Forever Plaid performers.

Left to right: Scott Dreier, Paul James Kruse, Spencer Moses and Robert J. Townsend.

The production revolves around a vintage Texaco station — appropriately named “Orrin’s Service Stop” — on historic Route 66 aka “The Mother Road” which extends 2,400 miles from Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean and spawned the popular 60’s TV series by the same name. The four gas station attendants, representing the pride and joy of Texaco, sing to and entertain their customers — a trait which distinguishes Texaco from “those other brands.” Musical numbers include a memorable selection of popular “road” tunes from the 50’s and 60’s including “Truck Drivin’ Man,” “On the Road Again,” “Dead Man’s Curve,” “Hey Little Cobra,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and, of course, the classic theme song “Route 66.” The playful “Beep Beep” song will bring back fond memories of the “Little Nash Rambler” — ancient history (if it can even be remembered at all) to most of today’s younger generation but still fun.

Performances take place every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Individual tickets are now on sale for just $32 with special discounts for seniors 65 and over and active military. Group discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more. For reservations or advance ticket sales, call the Mainstage box office at (760) 789-7008 or refer to their website at www.ramonatheatre.com for more information.