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Alysha Umphress, James Barry, and More Rehearse Paper Mill's Pump Boys and Dinettes

The classic musical comes to New Jersey.

North Jersey

March 30, 2016

Jason Ostrowski, Sam Weber, and James Barry dance with their musical instruments.
(© David Gordon)

The cast of Paper Mill Playhouse's upcoming production of Pump Boys and Dinettes met the press at their rehearsal studio on March 30. Directed by John Foley with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, the musical runs from April 6-May 1.

Broadway vet Alysha Umphress takes on the role of Rhetta.
(© David Gordon)

Conceived, written, and originally performed by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, and Jim Wann, Pump Boys and Dinettes is a tribute to life on the road, telling the story of four gas station attendants and two waitresses at a small-town dinette in North Carolina.

Sam Weber gets down with his bass.
(© David Gordon)

The company includes Alysha Umphress (Rehtta), James Barry (Jim), Gabe Bowling (Jackson), Julie Foldesi (Prudie), Jason Ostrowski (L.M.), and Sam Weber (Eddie).

Alysha Umphress gets a dip from James Barry.
(© David Gordon)

The creative team is made up of Michael Schweikardt (scenic design), Brian Hemesath (costume design), F. Mitchell Dana (lighting design), Randy Hansen (sound design), Jodi Mancuso (hair and wig design).

Alysha Umphress leads a dance number in rehearsal.
(© David Gordon)

Alysha Umphress and Julie Foldesi are the dinettes of Pump Boys and Dinettes. — Alysha Umphress and Julie Foldesi are the dinettes of *Pump Boys and Dinettes*.
(© David Gordon)

The men of Pump Boys and Dinettes have a jam session. — The men of *Pump Boys and Dinettes* have a jam session.
(© David Gordon)

The original production ran 573 performances on Broadway and was nominated for Tony and Drama Desk Awards. It was revived at New York City Center in 2014 as part of the Encores! Off-Center series.