By Crystal Hayduk
Seven passengers and their Greyhound bus driver form a connection as they travel from Missouri to Chicago in 1978 in Roadsigns, Jeff Daniels’ 19th world premiere playing at the Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC).
Lanny, a young poet and musician, plays his guitar at the back of the bus, providing a soothing background to the conversations and events that occur between down-on-their-luck strangers forced by chance to travel a long road – both literally and figuratively.
Actor David Bendena portrays Lanny, the primary character in this enlightening narrative of his and his fellow travelers’ attempts to find their places in the world.
Other passengers include Robert (Richard McWilliams), Harmon (Rusty Mewha), Esther (Ruth Crawford), Tanesha (K Edmonds), Francine (Kristin Shields), and Darlene (Caitlin Cavannaugh). Tom Whalen plays the part of Walter, the bus driver. At first glance, each person on the bus seems completely different, with varied ages, backgrounds, jobs, and current situations.
But as Missouri fades in the distance, the seemingly endless miles of Midwest countryside entice the travelers to eventually deepen their conversation from the mundane to the meaningful.
Although every actor gives a memorable performance and is perfectly cast for their roles, there are a few who warrant special mention. Bendena (Lanny) plays guitar as live background music for most of the 90-minute show, as well as sings and accompanies the vocal numbers, showing his musical range. McWilliams (Robert) is a retired minister whose reach of emotions and physicality amuse the audience. Edmonds (Tanesha), whose eventual destination is Motown, casts a spell on the audience with her mesmerizing voice, which wells up with heartfelt emotion.
The characters tell their stories in Roadsigns through flashbacks, indicated by lighting changes that are subtle, yet noticeable enough to create a seamless transition between 1978 and the past. There is also a faint haze onstage that gives the production a dreamlike quality.
The stage floor and hanging fixtures put the cast and audience on a country highway, but only simple props are necessary when gifted storytelling transports the audience to a different time and place.
According to a blog post published by Daniels in 2011 (https://www.jeffdaniels.com/152), his inspiration to write Roadsigns came from a poem written by award-winning playwright Lanford Wilson more than 40 years ago.
Daniels also set the poem to music, which became the song by the same title.
On the official opening night of Roadsigns, the audience laughed out loud at the jokes, clapped along when Tanesha (Edmonds) sang her version of “Amazing Grace,” and even joined in the singing with Robert (McWilliams) during his colorful flashback to a pivotal day in his past.
When the play ended, the audience gave an immediate and rousing standing ovation.
Ultimately, as the characters share their truths, their differences melt into a singular pool of tears that solidify to a common heartache known as shattered dreams. But through their unique journeys, they also discover a common strength known as hope.
Note: this production contains adult language and content, and runs without intermission.
Roadsigns
What: World premiere by Jeff Daniels, with music by Jeff and Ben Daniels.
When: Now playing through March 14, 2020; six performances a week – evenings and matinees. See schedule here (https://www.purplerosetheatre.org/roadsigns/).
Where: The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Chelsea
Director: Guy Sanville
Music direction and arrangements: Angie Kane
Choreographer: Rhiannon Ragland
Cast: David Bendena, Tom Whalen, Richard McWilliams, Richard McWilliams, Rusty Mewha, Ruth Crawford, K Edmonds, Kristin Shields, Caitlin Cavannaugh
Crew: Design includes set by Sarah Pearline, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Shelby Newport, lighting by Noele Stollmack, and sound by Angie Kane.
Stage manager: Devin Faught, with assistance by Angie Kane; managing director: Katie Hubbard.
Tickets: Available at www.purplerosetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 734-433-7673.
About the Purple Rose Theatre Company: Founded in 1991 by actor, playwright, musician and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for original American plays. In the 168-seat theatre, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre.
