Portland Civic Players Announce Auditions for Spring Production of “It Happened on Route 66”

The Portland Civic Players are excited to announce auditions for their spring play “It Happened on Route 66”.  Auditions will take place Monday, January 6 at 7 PM at the Portland Community Theater, 231 Maple St. Portland, MI 48875.  There are roles for 7 men and 7 women with 2 that are flexible. Individuals should come ready to do a cold read from the script.  Questions can be directed to Erin Hoard at ehoard40@gmail.com .

America’s most famous highway is the backdrop for this sweet comedy set in an Arizona diner in 1955. Sally, a young, celebrity-obsessed waitress, can’t wait for the wedding that day between glamorous movie star Lovey Lamour and crooner Johnny Jerome. So you can imagine Sally’s surprise when a mysterious customer turns out to be Lovey herself!

Lovey tells Sally that she fled the ceremony and was heading east on Route 66 when her Ferrari broke down. With the press hot on her trail, Lovey is forced to hide out at the diner until her car is fixed. But how can she possibly keep her identity a secret? Simple, Sally answers. Pose as a waitress!

Sally teaches the movie star everything she knows about waitressing, but their entire scheme threatens to unravel when a nosy news photographer discovers Lovey’s identity and tips Johnny off as to her location.

With a cast of hilarious characters including a short-tempered cook, Sally’s geeky boyfriend, an ever-hungry customer, the world’s worst auto mechanic, and even Elvis Presley before he was famous, this affectionate tribute to the golden age of diners is guaranteed to warm your heart as it tickles your funny bone.

Performance dates are March 14-16 and 22-23, 2025. “It Happened on Route 66” is written by Todd Wallinger and produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado.