By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Archbold High School stage came alive over the weekend as students presented their fall play, It Happened on Route 66, offering audiences a lively and heartwarming trip back to 1955 America.
Performances were held on Saturday, November 15th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 16th at 2:30 p.m., with both shows drawing strong community attendance.
Set along the iconic Route 66 inside a small Arizona diner, the story follows a young waitress named Sally who finds herself unexpectedly hosting the runaway movie star Lovey Lamour.
The actress, fleeing her high-profile wedding after having second thoughts, seeks refuge at the diner when her car breaks down and the press closes in.
With a celebrity hiding in plain sight, Sally comes up with a plan that sends their lives into comedic chaos as Lovey attempts to disguise herself as a waitress.
The play’s cast included a memorable mix of humorous and lovable characters, from the diner’s temperamental cook to Sally’s well-meaning but geeky boyfriend, the always hungry regular customer, and an auto mechanic whose repair skills are questionable at best.
Even a young Elvis Presley makes an appearance, adding another layer of charm to the show’s nostalgic setting. As the story unfolds, a nosy photographer uncovers Lovey’s identity and alerts her would be groom Johnny Jerome, setting the stage for a series of energetic and lighthearted moments.
Students delivered strong performances throughout the weekend, earning laughter from the audience during the play’s comedic exchanges and bringing genuine warmth to the more heartfelt scenes.
Their enthusiasm was evident, with each student fully committing to their character and to the playful spirit of the story.
The production served as a fun tribute to classic diners, golden age Hollywood, and the lively culture that surrounded America’s most famous highway.
