Paradise Diner
The Play | The Music | Reviews | The Authors
“It’s about time… Paradise Diner is a story with heart and real modern characters engaged in a drama that promotes a message of empowerment while expanding roles for girls with a voice. For those growing tired of the same old routine school plays, this is a fresh take on David vs. Goliath with a real feel-good ending. And it’s laugh-out-loud funny!”
Bob James, Founder, Music in Action
“It’s time for a new ‘High School Musical’ – a sane and wholesome musical without the typical ridiculous gender stereotypes – that musical is here and it’s called Paradise Diner. Ruth Laker’s musical is a delight…a catchy score with quirky characters really made the story come to life. I would highly recommend this to those educators looking for something more substantial and upright than the current crop of musicals that schools seem to present year after year.”
David Bryant
Professor of Music, Eastern University
"An uplifting musical for the whole family with fun and snappy songs. I really enjoyed the message of this show...people of all ages coming together to fight for what is right! This is a great show for community groups and schools."
Elisa Matthews
Opera Company of Philadelphia
“Paradise Diner is a hoot! There are several “choice” roles for character actors to play including some cantankerous old men, a whimsical waitress with a half-erased tattoo, a ruthless businessman and his inept younger brother, and a group of just-awkward-enough to-seem-real high school students about to embark on their own life journeys. As a director who works with youth, I see this piece as having a significant impact not just upon an audience that sees the production, but to the youth preparing and
developing this musical.”
Michael Brix
Collaborative Arts iMagination Programming
“Paradise Diner has the potential to jumpstart a new kind of musical, one that does not follow the tired and mostly irrelevant models of old, but challenges the audience’s expectations of what a musical is and should be. I would like to see other playwrights and composers take up the cause of Dr. Laker, striving to put a fresh look on the face of musical theatre, while uplifting values and cultural relevance.”
Jacquelyn Nicklas
Adjunct Director of Theatre Eastern University
“A great alternative for schools looking to put on a manageable show. It allows young people to be involved in a show that tackles issues taken right from the front pages—immigration, imminent domain, family priorities—while singing songs written especially for their range. A fun show to be involved in for all ages. Catchy tunes that teach as well as inspire.”
Doris Jones, Music Educator
Gowanda, New York