Thalian Association replaces season-ending musical | Arts & Culture

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Thalian Association has decided to replace the last show of its 2012-13 season.

Pump Boys and Dinettes will now be performed instead of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

“Do to unforeseen circumstances, we are not able to move forward with our production of How to Succeed… as planned,” said Thalian Association Artistic Director Tom Briggs in a news release Monday. “Theater can be extremely ephemeral and sometimes things just don’t work out as you’ve planned.  However, we are delighted to have secured the rights to the wonderful musical Pump Boys and Dinettes.”

According to the news release, the show is set in North Carolina and features a country/pop score in which the actors onstage play all of the instruments as well.  It received a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical when it opened on Broadway in 1982, and a Broadway revival will open in April starring American Idol alum Bo Bice. 

The musical follows four workers at a rest stop gas station and the waitresses with whom they have a special kinship. 

The production will be directed and choreographed by Debra Gillingham and will play at Thalian Hall May 16-26.

Previously purchased tickets for How to Succeed… will be honored for this production.

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