The Fourth Annual Newtown Arts Festival opened last Friday with William Inge’s classic theater piece, Bus Stop. Celebrating 80 years of community theater, The Town Players of Newtown are continuing their tradition of producing quality work that excels in every way.

Written by Inge in the mid 1950s, Bus Stop tells a timeless story of random people coming together under circumstances that both challenge and enlighten them.  On a snowy, stormy night in Kansas City, Mo., a bus full of passengers is halted in transit at Grace’s Diner, and forced to put in for the night.  The delay pushes some troubled souls to their limits and forces others to recognize their true values and natures.

While this theme is recurrent in many dramatic productions, Inge has developed characters of just the right degree of diversity, while claiming the most basic wants and needs of human nature. They each face loneliness and loss while seeking connection. These characters were more fully revealed by the skilled and educated performances of this talented cast. 

Grace’s Diner is along a bus route where frequent stops are made. Grace, played by Barb Disraeli, is jaded yet genuine as she cares for her customers and colleague, the innocent Elma Duckworth (Leah Nashel). This small town is home to fatherly, philosophical sheriff, Will Masters (Tom Torpey). He blows in with the storm to inform Grace that the bus is on its way and will have to hold up until it passes.  She and Elma ready the coffee and snacks on hand.

The arrival of the bus is heralded by the lovely chanteuse, and runaway bride to be, Cherie (Clare Boyle). She is desperate to escape the clutches of naïve and heavy handed cowboy, Bo Decker (Tony Beneditti), who is still sleeping on the bus. He is a socially awkward orphan always in the close company of the musical and soulful sidekick, Virgil Blessing (Steve Yudelson).

Dr Gerald Lyman, played by Miles Everett, is an elegant and scholarly professor, for all appearances.  He charms and fools as he shares stories from his tumultuous past and aimless travel.

The bus is captained by driver Carl, an easygoing, loyal sort played by Christopher Cooney.

The actors to a one give their utmost in energy and commitment to their characters. They are all impressive.

Miles Everett, as the smooth yet disturbing professor, manages a subtle humor and reveals a troubled conscience brilliantly.

Clare Boyle is entrancing as the nightclub singer who has been around the block yet maintains her integrity.  She also manages a sultry version of “Black Magic” convincingly.

Leah Nashel, as always, is energetic and enthusiastic.

Steve Yudelson gives Virgil Blessing a sensitivity and tenderness that are hidden by his tobacco chew and thumbs in his belt loops posture. He also plays the guitar like he has been strumming all his life.

Tony Benedetti plays Bo with a squinty eyed stubbornness that is consistent with his lack of parenting, yet capably displays his ability to love and commit.

Tom Torpey’s sheriff is spot on. He is the obvious moral compass and compassionate cop in this small town.

Barb Disraeli and Christopher Cooney are just right as two friends with benefits. Their maturity and acceptance of their conditions is perfectly portrayed by these two capable actors.

The bold choice, by obviously skilled and talented director Brian DeToma, of this subtle piece of dramatic comedy reflects his ability to peel back the layers to the oft times emotional and conflicted undercurrent of the dialogue. DeToma directs this piece on a postage stamp sized stage that was set by designer Timothy Huebenthal to take advantage of every single inch of the space, giving it depth and perspective that belie its true size.

The combination of an excellent set and superb blocking direction, with at times as many as seven people on stage, results in not one instance of an actor being upstaged or obscured from the audience. This overall control of the piece lends a lovey, seamless rhythm to the action.

This is an excellent piece of theater that deserves the opening night spot for the month of Newtown Arts Festival events and performances. Fortunately, you can catch it every weekend this month. Come in from the storm, have a cup of coffee, and enjoy the gathering at Grace’s Diner.

Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, until September 26, at 8 pm. Sunday afternoon matinees, with 2 pm curtain, are planned for September 13 and 20. The Little Theatre is at 18 Orchard Hill Road.

Tickets are $22 for evening performances, $18 for the matinees, and $10 for ages 10 and under.

Saturday, September 25 will serve as a benefit performance; contact Town Players or visit its website for additional information.

Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office, 203-270-9144. They will be held at the door and can be paid for with cash or check only.