FARMINGTON – University of Maine at Farmington and several faculty members will take audiences on a high-energy ride and nostalgic trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on one of America’s most beloved highways with their production of “Route 66.”

Theatre UMF will stage the musical at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 8-9, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at Alumni Theater.

“Route 66” is the newest work of co-authors Jerold Goldstein and William Squier who, together, have written an array of successful musicals performed around the country. Composer Fred Stark, recognized as one of the top recording studio singers in New York City, rounds out the creative team.

“Route 66” tells the story of journalist Liz Mitchell, who is offered the career opportunity of a lifetime when she is hired by Chi Town magazine to write an article for a photo essay on this historic American highway.

Liz, who is frustrated with her stalled writing career, jumps at the chance, even though it means spending a week on the road with a complete stranger – Arizona photographer, Andrew “Drew” Garrett, whose work her article is to accompany.

The duo embarks on a musical journey which includes catchy, upbeat songs like “Beer Bubble Moon,” “A Step In the Right Direction” and “A Highway Home,” with fun lyrics that include such phrases as “got my eyes on the prize, not the size of my thighs” and “you had to kiss a lot of frogs, and now and then a toad.”

“Route 66” is a story about small-town America and highlights the lives of the people who lived along this famous highway.

“In this musical, the highway is a metaphor for a journey of self-discovery,” said Andrea Southard, who is directing the show, with musical direction by Patricia Hayden and choreography by Lauryn Thomas.

“It’s about finding yourself and accepting that what you originally may have thought might, indeed, turn out to be something quite different. It’s about finding a highway home,” said Southard.

Area members of the “Route 66” cast include Matt Black of Jay; Susan Anzivino, Farmington; Julianna Acheson, Wilton; Ian Griffith, Norway; and Mark Lemos, Durham.

Tickets are free for UMF students with an I.D., $8 for adults, $6 for other students, and $4.50 for senior citizens and children under 13. Tickets may be reserved by calling the Theatre UMF box office at 778-7465.

Goldstein and Squier will present a talk about the creation and theatrical debut of “Route 66” at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 8, in UMF’s Thomas Auditorium, in Preble and Ricker Halls.