You never know when Mother Nature will turn on you and make you change your schedule. Driving through Kansas in the wintertime can be treacherous at times. But throw in a big snowstorm that creates havoc across the state, a bus driving at night with passengers, road closures, and now you have 8 stranded people ending up at a restaurant known as Grace's.

Bus Stop was written by the fantastic William Inge, directed by Allison Watrous,and stars some of the best talent that has been on stage at the Arvada Center  For The Arts and Humanities. The story takes place in 1955 and owner Grace Hoyland (Kate Gleason) and her employee Elma Duckworth (Jenna Moll Reyes) are in for a long night as Grace's needs to stay open for the bus that will make its way through the small town very soon. As the bus pulls into the lot, sheriff Will Masters (Geoffrey Kent) lets the restaurant know that the highway is shut down due to the winter storm.

Moments later Cherie (Emily Van Fleet) enters and is in need of help quickly. Seems she is being taking to Montana against her will by strong man Bo Decker (Sean Scrutchins) who is learning life the hard way. But he has a great friend and ranch hand Virgil Blessing (Michael Morgan). Also traveling is Dr. Gerald Lyman (Sam Gregory) and driver Carl (Josh Robinson).

As Grace and Elma try to do the best they can in keeping everyone happy in spite of the storm and having to stay overnight, the laughs are many and  secrets are revealed. Dr. Lyman helps naive Elma to come out of her she'll a bit while Carl and Grace think they are being discreet about their rendezvous when the bus come through all the time. Keeping peace while the group cannot travel are Will and Virgil.

The story was nominated for four Tony Awards and rightfully so. It is witty, cleverly written and in the true style of William Inge, tells a great story. You can get tickets for Bus Stop by visiting  arvadacenter.org or by calling 720-898-7200. The play runs through April 15 and is presented in The Black Box Theater.