WESTPORT, NY — The Depot Theatre in Westport is pleased to announce the cast of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, a crowd-pleasing, country-western musical tribute to life by the roadside.
The production features a talented multi-tasking cast of singers/musicians who portray Prudie and Rhetta Cupp, the generous gals from the Double Cupp Diner, and the guys from the gas station ‘cross the road. PUMP BOYS received unanimous raves on and off Broadway (including on the Depot Theatre stage in 1997!).
Pulling double duty as music director and actor, Alexander LaPlante will be playing the part of L.M. LaPlate’s previous credits include Theatre West End PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES (L.M.), Orlando Shakes MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (Jerry Lee U/S), The Athens Theater Young Frankenstein (Fredrick), and The Orlando Family Stage ALLIE KAZAN AND THE MAGIC MANOR (Eric).
Alexander Peck will be playing the part of Jackson and guitar. He has varied credits in stage, television, and film as an actor and musician – as well as in orchestras in his native Canada, England, and the US. Among his theater credits are a previous Jackson in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES at the Boarshead – Michigan Public Theater; Yepihodov (guitar) in THE CHERRY ORCHARD at the Caldwell Playhouse; and the Fiddler in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Alhambra Dinner Theater, Florida. Numerous summer stock appearances include MAN OF LA MANCHA (two times), BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (also twice) as the Narrator, and he can be seen playing violin in several movies and daytime tv shows as a strolling restaurant violinist.
Addison Schuh makes her Depot Theatre debut as Rhetta. A recent graduate from Oklahoma City University, she is an NYC-based singer and actress. Some recent credits include Cinderella (INTO THE WOODS), Leilani (LEGALLY BLONDE), Julie Jordan (CAROUSEL), and Countess Helene (SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER; The CW Network 2025).
Bill Stokes returns to the Depot in the part of Eddie, having been in the orchestra for this season’s production of ANALOG AND VINYL. Bill started on violin at age nine and has been involved with music ever since. His credits include three summer seasons with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, teaching music in public schools, directing band and chorus, and in recent years has written a one-act musical.
Michael Toperzer is making his Depot Theatre debut as Jim. His regional credits include MOONSHINE AND MISTLETOE (Rev. Nathe/Dewey/Jarret U/S), PASS/OVER (Mister/Ossifer U/S; Studio Theater DC), ROMEO AND JULIET (Friar Lawrence; CSC), ALICE IN WONDERLAND (The White Rabbit; CSC), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Oberon/Theseus, CSC), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Fred, CSC). Off Off B’way: THE LAST POET ON MARS (The Attendant; Brooklyn Actors Troupe), Malvolio in TWELFTH NIGHT (Malvolio; Monday Theater Co.), and ROMEO AND JULIET (Tybalt, Paris; Verona).
Tiara Whaley will be playing the role of Prudie. Audiences will remember Tiara Whaley for her outstanding role as Rodeo Girl earlier this summer in the Depot’s production of ANALOG AND VINYL. Tiara is a Philadelphia-based actress and holds a musical theatre degree from West Chester University. Her favorite roles include Ti Moune (ONCE ON THIS ISLAND), Emmie Thibedeaux (CAROLINE OR CHANGE, Helen Hayes Outstanding Supporting Actress), Dorothy Gale (WIZARD OF OZ), and Heather Chandler (HEATHERS).
The production is directed and choreographed by DJ Salisbury, who has directed and choreographed over 115 shows across the USA and in Colombia. Favorites include LES MISÉRABLES (LA’s Scenie Award – Best Musical), THE FULL MONTY, RAGTIME, and THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES (10 productions!), MAN OF LA MANCHA, WEST SIDE STORY, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. DJ directed Disney composer Alan Menken’s Lincoln Center concert, an Off-Broadway rock musical, and numerous readings/workshops of new musicals in NYC.
“The simple, earnest relationships reminiscent of those in Mayberry, R.F.D. along with a bushel of original hummable songs — rockabilly to blues to folk — serve to make PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES the comfort food of musicals,” said DJ Salisbury, director/choreographer. “It’s just plain old, good-time entertainment.”
PUMP BOYS will run from August 8-25. Tickets can be purchased online at DepotTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 518.962.4449.
More details, information about the Depot Theatre Academy, and news updates can be found online at DepotTheatre.org.
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The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2024 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, with additional support from the Essex County Arts Council.
The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage.