It may appear too small, but the Ligonier Theater stage is big enough for a musical journey from Chicago all the way to California. "Route 66," a show full of tunes of the late '50s and '60s, will be staged by the Valley Players of Ligonier beginning June 9. "It's mostly all music, with very few lines," says director Cathi Rhodes. "It's not a play that you come in and sit down and have to think about. The music will carry you." The show focuses on four Texaco men who are traveling along the famed roadway, known as "The Mother Road" because it spanned from Chicago to Los Angeles and was instrumental in generating commerce. As the men make their way, they perform songs indicative of the area they are covering. "There are oldies, country songs, songs bordering on bluegrass, beach tunes, muscle-car songs and a lot of truck-driving songs," Rhodes says. "And there is lots of comedy interspersed with the songs." The play was originally written for four to eight male characters, but Rhodes decided to add five women as a backup ensemble. "I just wanted to add females to add some interest," Rhodes says. "They will be doing a solo number. It's a very adorable show." Dominic Camarote, of Latrobe, plays Scott, a tenor. "We are just winding our way across Route 66, and I am just one of the guys," says Camarote. "It's really a tribute to the people in those areas that we represent through the music." Camarote's performances will include Elvis-type music and country western songs. He will also take part in the Beach Boys finale which will include "I get Around." He says that, at age 62, he remembers the music he performs and oftentimes has to clarify some of the lingo to the younger actors. "It's kind of funny. I am always explaining stuff to some of the guys when they are singing their songs. They'll say 'What the heck is a cat?' and I'll have to explain that guys were cats and girls were chicks," Camarote says. "They think that is hilarious." Rhodes says the highlights of the evening will include vintage radio commercials that will send audience members back in time as well as a "wild finale that will have the audience up and out of their seats." "This is about a real place. Real locations. Real songs," Rhodes says. "A lot of musicals have songs that were made up for that musical. These are recognizable songs that everyone will know. Some they have forgotten about, but when they hear them, they will remember. This show is real." Additional Information:

'Route 66'

Presented by : The Valley Players of Ligonier When : 8 p.m. June 9 and 10; 2:30 p.m. June 11 Admission: $10 Where: Ligonier Theater, Main Street, Ligonier Details : 724-238-6514, ext. 2

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