Interview: Sam Weber in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES at Paper Mill Playhouse

The hit musical, Pump Boys and Dinettes is on the Paper Mill Playhouse stage through May 1st. Written and conceived by John Foley, Foley also directs the show with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter. The vibrant production features an incredibly talented cast of musical performers that includes Bloomfield resident, Sam Weber in the role of Eddie who plays the bass in the show.

Pump Boys and Dinettes is a musical full of joy‚ a little bit of heartbreak‚ and lots of hilarity. This visionary tribute to life by the roadside takes place on North Carolina's Highway 57. Somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna stands a rest stop. The four hard working fellas at the gas station have been known to do some auto repairs‚ but only when aided by some great tunes and a few beers. Next door there's the Double Cupp Diner‚ where the Cupp sisters offer up their famous home cooking and gift for song. This musical is a celebration of life‚ love‚ Dolly Parton‚ and down-home culture.

Weber was seen on tour in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and Dinosaur Zoo. Some of his regional credits include Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof and many, many more.

Born and raised in Mayville, Wisconsin, Weber started playing music at an early age. He called himself a "band geek" having gotten his first trumpet in the fourth grade and a bass guitar in the sixth grade. Shortly after, he was gathering with his junior-high friends to play music. His musicianship continued in high school and he went on to receive his BFA in Musical Theatre from Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

We asked him to tell us his attitude about performing. "In these musician shows, you play with passion and play like the person you are. For the most part, it's me having a good time and enjoying my role as Eddie."

Weber told us about one of his top songs in the show. "My favorite song to play is 'Tips.' It's super dirty, super fun and the bass line is great. Hearing the girls sing it is really amazing."

Weber commented about working at Paper Mill Playhouse. "It's the best of the best. These are some of the finest people to work with in the world. The show's cast has some of the most talented musicians I've ever worked with. It's so cool to work with John Foley and JoAnn Hunter's choreography is incredible."

Weber had some good advice for Paper Mill Playhouse audiences. "It's a great time. If you don't like music, you'll love it. If you like music, you'll love it. The audience will leave happy."

These are exciting times for Sam Weber. He and his wife, Brittany will soon become parents to their first child, a baby girl.

Pump Boys and Dinettes will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Performance schedule: Wednesday at 7:30pm, Thursday at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 1:30pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 1:30pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale now starting at $32. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of 10 or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. College students may order $20 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office on the day of the performance.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sam Weber

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