‘Bus Stop’ casually parades its misogyny

The CSC Theatre production of William Inge’s “Bus Stop” is a slow-but-sometimes-funny romp through the dated social mores of the 1950s.

While many of CSC Theatre’s big spring productions feature intricate sets and larger-than-life characters, “Bus Stop” is more of a sedentary examination of the vicissitudes of human relationships.

An early quip from Grace Hoylard, owner of the diner where the action occurs, sets the tone for the rest of the play.

“Maybe you’d have more boyfriends if you didn’t get such good grades,” Grace tells her waitress Elma Duckworth. After all, a man don’t want a woman who’s smarter than he is!

From here, the females play relationship poker with decreasing deftness until the males are left holding most of the cards.

Overbearing improprieties are forgiven, handshakes are extended, and women’s wills are subjugated to the approval of men who behave like fools.

What bothers me about “Bus Stop” is its casual parade of misogyny and the enforcement of patriarchy over women who at first seemed to be in charge. This is unsurprising in a show that debuted in 1955.

And by that rosy-lensed standard, “Bus Stop” plays as an over-the-top liberal production where sexual freedom runs rampant!

One couple admits to being “familiar” out of wedlock, while another is chagrined when the man’s boots are found on the woman’s doorstep.

Bravo for admitting that sex exists and that men and women tend to engage in it when the feelin’ strikes ‘em!

All that aside, CSC Theatre puts on a great show—as they most-often do.

Becci French and HeatherAnn Hicks make picture perfect 1950s diner gals, as Elma and Grace. Ryan Helton is fun as the lovable but stern Sheriff Will Masters. Josh Hoffman is polite and understated as the shyly smiling bus driver Carl.

Evan Torkelsen’s portrayal of the dubious drunkard Dr. Gerald Lyman is abundantly likable yet creepy.

Despite several breathy quotes from Shakespeare’s sonnets and Sir Walter Scott’s “Young Lochinvar,” Lyman’s best line is, “I shall seek the icy comfort of the restroom!”

Jacob Smiley’s wise and grizzled Virgil Blessing is the cast’s guide through the labyrinthine byways of courtin’, hatin’, and lovin’. I particularly enjoyed his singing during the impromptu variety show in Act II.

The heart and soul of the show is the unrequited love Willis Miller’s rough and tumble cowboy Bo Decker has for Ashley Rushman’s Cherie.

Miller captures the bewilderment and frustration of Bo’s first time off the ranch. He bursts on the scene, overflowing with love for Cherie, whom he calls “Cherry” in his twangy accent.

Rushman’s Cherie is a beautifully nuanced damsel in distress. Her portrayal evokes genuine worry for her well-being.

Though I was disappointed with the play’s resolution, I was delighted by the  wonderful set and the cast’s performance.

“Bus Stop” is a top-notch CSC Theatre production well-worth seeing.