Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Entertainment

Op-Ed: Ross theater director muses over local production of ‘Bus Stop’ (Includes interview)

During the Great Depression The Ross Valley Players were founded by a group of women who recognized that thru the arts people could gather to be entertained and uplifted from the sorrows of hard times after the stock market crash on Wall Street. Initially performing at various spots in and around the small rural community of Ross, a barn was provided for the players, by the Kittle family. The players immediately got to work clearing out the old barn which had been unused for years. And from that time on, the old barn and the Mill Valley Players have been linked. It is the oldest theater company of its kind on the West Coast.

Along with a suitable venue, what is most important for any theater group is good material. The Ross Valley Players (RVP) aim is to provide high quality live theatre that evokes, entertains, and enlivens the human spirit.
The theater company offers six plays a year. Now in it is 87th year, the fourth production this season is the stage production of the 1956 classic film, “Bus Stop.”
Actually based upon two plays by writer William Inge, his work is the spirit behind the script. And, usually When people think of the movie, they think of movie star Marilyn Monroe. Yet the theater company’s director Christian Haines sees the work on a much deeper level. No disrespect to the movie which was directed by Joshua Logan for 20th Century Fox.

An old barn built in 1894 was offered to the Ross Valley Players in 1939 and ever since then the old...

An old barn built in 1894 was offered to the Ross Valley Players in 1939 and ever since then the old barn and the theater company have been linked as one.
Courtesy of Ross Valley Players


Haines was eager to speak about the production which opens in two weeks.
And so this reporter asked him, what drew you to the play Bus Stop?
“When I saw Bus Stop in the RVP season I jumped at the opportunity,” he said. “I really enjoy mid-century American realism. The stories and style of the plays are timeless and have produced some of the most iconic plays ever.” Haines then noted some very prominent playwrights of the era that have made an indelible mark on American theater. “Odets, Miller, O’Neil, Williams and Inge,” he said, “along with others, created beautiful stories that defined how we interact with narrative. ‘Bus Stop’ is a fantastic play I wanted to explore Inge’s meditation on love and these characters desperate need to be included and loved no matter the odds.”

How does the story as a stage play differ from the Bus Stop movie?
“The movie is more like a prequel to the play,” said Haines. “It recounts a lot of what happened in Kansas City beforehand. While it does include some of the dialogue from the play and ends up at a bus stop, it is a completely different story. The more morally conflicted portions of the play are omitted as is the most controversial character.”
Haines pointed out the reason for script changes. “This is a reflection of the times in which the movie was produced. Edgier themes and characters were explored more in theater than in film at that time.”

Why did you select the acting company for the show?
“These actors at RVP embodied their characters at their audition,” Haines said. “In auditions I focus on their ability to analyze the script and interact with each other. There are certain types I am looking for as well but, for me… that is superseded by an actor’s ability to make a strong choice that is appropriate for the piece. They say 90 percent of directing is casting and that holds true in this case.”

 Bus Stop  is the fourth of six plays featured in this the 87th season of the Ross Valley Players th...

‘Bus Stop’ is the fourth of six plays featured in this the 87th season of the Ross Valley Players theater company.
Courtesy of Ross Valley Players


Why is Bus Stop relevant to our times?
“‘Bus Stop’ is timeless in its message and therefore relevant because it helps us empathize with those who might not fit into the social norms of the age. At the time that ‘Bus Stop’ was on Broadway there was a general idea of what it meant to be an American as reflected in popular culture. It was thought to be a more innocent time when the American dream was available to all who worked hard enough,” said Haines. “Very Leave it to Beaver. ‘Bus Stop’ challenged those assumptions through its plot and characters… Indeed, six of eight of the characters are breaking the law in their search for love and belonging, noted Haines (sex outside of marriage was illegal in many sates in 1955). We are now living in a time when more identities and activities are accepted as normal but he said, there is still a lack of empathy.”

Marilyn Monroe despite her immense appeal was known by many in the industry as desperate for validation — to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress. Perhaps it is fitting that she was selected for the movie. Ironically, ‘Bus Stop’ was recognized by the critics as the best of her career thus far in 1956 as reported by the New York Times. And, while the 1956 film has memorable performances in it from the entire cast, the movie is not entirely Inge.

Haines noted the significance of Inge’s work. “I think Inge is challenging the audience to accept others as whole people whose existence should afford them the same rights as ‘normal’ people.” This theme is also expressed in Inge’s other well known work, ‘Picnic’ which garnered a Pulitzer Prize.”

What makes Ross Valley Players and their old barn good venue for this production?
“The RVP team is awesome,” said Haines simply. “Their focus on taking care of all the aspects of producing frees me up to focus on the play. They have taken my input and folded it into the production process seamlessly. Coming from a more ‘Do-It-Yourself’ type of theater background, this is so refreshing. I do like building sets and working on PR,” Haines said, “but it can really distract from the task of directing if you let it.” The stage production of ‘Bus Stop’ has a special preview night on March 2nd. The show officially opens on March 3rd and continues through March 26th – performing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets range from $10 to $27. To purchase tickets and get more info visit the Ross Valley Players ticket page at their web site.

Written By

You may also like:

Business

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier was reviewing recent incidents and would redouble safety initiatives as needed - Copyright AFP Logan CyrusUnited...

World

US President Joe Biden speaks during a reception honoring Women's History Month at the White House - Copyright AFP Brendan SMIALOWSKIDanny KEMPUS President Joe...

Business

A Milei marks 100 days in office, thousands protest his austerity measures - Copyright AFP Luis ROBAYOLeila MACORArgentina’s President Javier Milei has slashed public...

Life

The Michelin Guide unveiled its annual list of the best French restaurants, praising the "cultural dynamism" of a new generation of chefs.