Bus Stop

Midori Francis and Rajesh Bose in Bus Stop.

Bus Stop, William Inge’s slice-of-life drama set during a snowstorm, has no shortage of dialogue, but some of its most powerful moments occur in complete silence. And the richly naturalistic production at Classic Stage Company, directed by Jack Cummings III, is so deeply felt and beautifully cast, that entire pages worth of dialogue are spoken in glances.

Presented in a co-production from the National Asian American Theatre Company, Classic Stage Company, and Transport Group, this revival of Inge’s 1955 play is a slow-burning, perceptive depiction of both human connection and desperate loneliness. When a snowstorm hits a small town outside of Kansas City, Missouri, a group of passengers on a bus are forced to seek shelter at a roadside diner. Over the span of a few hours, relationships are formed and changed as quickly and drastically as the weather as a small group of people are thrust together.

There’s the diner’s owner, Grace, placed with tightly-wound dignity by Cindy Cheung, and her teenage waitress Elma, (Delphi Borich). The bus driver, Carl, is played by a solid, stoic David Shih, whose passengers include former college professor Dr. Lyman (Rajesh Bose), the kittenish chanteuse Cherie (Midori Francis) and her dogged pursuer Bo, (Michael Hsu Rosen), and Bo’s friend Virgil (Moses Villarama).  The sheriff, Will (David Lee Huỳnh), sporadically visits the diner, his presence necessary due to Bo’s explosive temper and obsessive pursuit of Cheri, with whom he thinks he is engaged. She differs.

Cheri, a role immortalized in the film adaptation by Marilyn Monroe, is beautifully brought to life by Francis. She bursts into the diner, begging for protection from Bo, but as the night progresses, so does her sense of self-worth. Francis’ wide, searching eyes nervously dart around the diner whether she’s engaging in friendly conversation with Elma or a fiery argument with Bo. Francis’ Cheri is fully aware of how her gender limits her options in the world - and the injustice of it - even if she is unable to fully articulate her thoughts.

The company of Bus Stop.

Bus Stop may sound like wholesome, old-fashioned entertainment, but its plot contains darker undertones. While Bo’s relentless pursuit of Cheri may seem comedic at times, his sense of entitlement and violent tendencies are frightening. Rosen’s performance highlights Bo’s naivete, and his bewilderment as the strong and silent Virgil attempts to teach him the basics of human connection, as he grasps the concepts of consent and respect, is honest and authentic.

A less honorableself-awareness overwhelms Dr. Lyman as his conversation with Elma turns predatory. An academic overachiever, Elma is innocently excited to discuss Shakespeare with the professor, oblivious to his intentions and alcoholism, which eventually land him unconscious on the bus stop bench. Very few words are given to Virgil’s thoughts as the drama unfolds throughout the night, but Villarama eloquently communicates his emotions by merely squinting his eyes or clenching his fists.

The night unfoldson scenic designer Peiyi Wong’s small-town Americana set, lit by R. Lee Kennedy while Mariko Ohigashi’s costumes further enhance the nostalgic atmosphere of this ephemeral pause in the passengers’ journeys, contrasting with the ominous undertones of Inge’s script. A closeted homosexual who suffered from alcoholism, Inge’s writing probed beneath the clean-cut surface of America, probing menalcholy truth that loneliness is timeless and the seeking of human connection eternal. If only it was always executed as deftly as it is in this revival.

Published June 7, 2025

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