The Group Rep presents MOTEL 66. Written by Sal Valletta, Gina Yates, Denise Downer, Bill, Fitzhugh, Fox Carney, Doug Haverty, Paul Elliot, and Clara Rodriguez. Directed by Linda Alznauer, Van Boudreaux, Todd Andrew Ball, Larry Eisenberg, Helen O’Brien, Bruce Kimmel, Brent Beerman, and Leota Rhodes. Produced for The Group Rep by Brent Beerman.
During the Dust Bowl that devastated the Great Plains in the 1930s, Route 66 was the salvation for many families that took the historic highway to move west in their search for jobs and a better life. Route 66 goes from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, with many sites and landscapes along the way. MOTEL 66 is a production of 8 different one-acts that honor the fascinating and moving stories of the owners and guests of the quirky motels found along the celebrated route. Each short play takes place in a different motel and a different city. In such a spectrum of experiences, the topics and characters are as varied as one can imagine.
Poolside Therapy shows a couple (Diane Linder and Brad Kahn) in desperate need to spice up their relationship. One of the other guests (Tack Sappington) offers his expertise to make the couple feel attracted to each other again, using an unconventional method to achieve that goal. Written by Sal Valletta. Directed by Linda Alznauer.
One More Night is a moving and funny story of a grieving cowboy (Mark Stancato) and his unexpected change of plans after meeting a whip-smart young girl (talented newcomer Bailey Warner) and her mom (Julie Davis). Written by Gina Yates. Directed by Van Boudreaux.
Forever Friends is a story of two friends (Melissa Lugo and Cierra Lundy) whose strained relationship may or may not have a second chance after years of neglect. Written by Denise Downer. Directed by Todd Andrew Ball.
No Room at the Motel keeps us wondering who the real father is in this hilarious and intriguing story. Chad (Joe Clabby, Room Service) and a pregnant Mary (the always funny Jessica Kent, Harold and Maude, Room Service) engage in a heated argument about accommodation plans. They find the motel manager (Larry Eisenberg) to be a weirdo who doesn’t care about keeping his rooms clean. They also run into Chad’s friend (Sean Babcock), who keeps reminding Chad of his times with women of dubious reputation. Who exactly got Mary pregnant? Written by Bill Fitzhugh. Directed by Larry Eisenberg.
Immaculate Perception is a story of a miraculous sexless pregnancy. At least that’s what Mariah (Sasha Kartman) says. As illogical as it sounds, she tries to convince Sam (Lloyd Pedersen), who is a doctor, about her immaculate pregnancy. As they continue to argue, the continuation of someone’s life through a newborn starts to seem a possibility, even for Sam. Written by Fox Carney. Directed by Helen O’Brien.
Eureka Escorter reveals the oddity of opportunities in the job market. In urgent need as an impoverished recent widower, Miles (Bert Emmett, Animal Farm) takes a job as a driver/rent-a-gent type of gig. He is instructed by Wendolyn (Kathy Diane Tomlin), the lady running the agency, to act as normal as possible in the presence of customers. His first assignment is with Sara (Clara Rodriguez). His first drive will prove to be a wild ride. Written by Doug Haverty. Directed by Bruce Kimmel.
Saving Garbage is a meeting between short-fused motel operator Grace (Cynthia Bryant) and Jimmy (Miguel Lee), the young man who’s been taking the food leftovers from the trash bin at night. A surprising conversation exposes the compelling circumstances of their respective lives. Written by Paul Elliott. Directed by Brent Beerman.
In Quapaw, Oklahoma Betty (a delightful Bonnie Snyder, Room Service) is excited to meet her online friend Magda (Lareen Faye, Harold and Maude), who has promised Betty to make her a child again with the use of magic, despite the concerns of her daughter Deborah (Pascal Gigon) and the incredulity of her son-in-law Stan (Danny Salay). A whimsical story with a not-so-happy ending. Written by Clara Rodriguez. Directed by Leota Rhodes.
Embarking on a spiritual journey of self realization, the characters discover the power of human connection and the possibilities of new beginnings, despite the twists and turns of life. MOTEL 66 is a road trip to a world where humans greif, hope, and believe in miracles, one destination at a time. Always searching, always on the move.
MOTEL 66
The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre
10900 Burbank Blvd
N. Hollywood, CA 91601
September 21 through October 22
Saturdays at 4 PM
Thursdays and Sundays at 7 PM.
Tickets: thegrouprep.com/show/motel-66-2023
Written by Sal Valletta, Gina Yates, Denise Downer, Bill, Fitzhugh, Fox Carney, Doug Haverty, Paul Elliot, and Clara Rodriguez. Directed by Linda Alznauer, Van Boudreaux, Todd Andrew Ball, Larry Eisenberg, Helen O’Brien, Bruce Kimmel, Brent Beerman, and Leota Rhodes. Produced for The Group Rep by Brent Beerman. Cast: Diane Linder, Brad Kahn, Tack Sappington, Julie Davis, Mark Stancato, Bailey Warner, Melissa Lugo, Cierra Lundy, Sean Babcock, Joe Clabby, Cathy Diane Tomlin, Larry Eisenberg, Dawn Halloran, Doug Haverty, Jessica Kent, Kat Kemmet, Anica Petrovic, Sasha Kartman, Lloyd Pedersen, Bert Emmett, Lee Grober, Clara Rodriguez, Cynthia Bryant, Miguel Lee, Lareen Faye, Pascale Gigon, Danny Salay, and Bonnie Snyder. Creative team: Mareli Mitchel-Shields (Dramaturg), Nick Foran (Lights & Sound Design),and Doug Haverty (Graphic Designer).
