Route 66 to the Grand Canyon
A stage play by Peter M. KershawA farcical, magical journey down the “Mother Road”.
Filled with laughs, local lore, and the legendary spirit of Northern Arizona.
In 2025 Peter was approached by Chris Verrill from theatre company “Theatrikos”, to write a comedy for Route 66 to celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2026.
The RT66 highway opened on November 11th, 1926 and is a total 2,448 miles long.
Today, 158 unbroken miles still run through AZ. Of the eight States the Highway passes through this was the last State to be bypassed by the new Interstate Highway that replaced Route 66.
“It was apt I was approached by Theatrikos to write this comedic play as theatre is the foundation stone of my creative experience as a filmmaker and writer,” said Peter Kershaw, “I was very excited to be invited to write Route 66 to the Grand Canyon and help create a very special theatrical experience for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona to celebrate the Centennial of the world’s most famous Highway.”
During the writing of the play Chris moved to run a theatre in Florida and Jeremy Blunt took over at the theatre and became the play’s producer.
The play opened on February 8th, 2026, at Theatrikos Theatre.
Almost pantomime in its farce. It’s a farce – improbable, stereotyped, exaggerated characters. The style of play relies on humor not just in obvious jokes but buffoonery, not logic, but playful interplay with the audience. It is what gives the play a unique quality of fun.
You’ll laugh, you’ll groan, you’ll get informed by this magical salute to Route 66,” said John Propster, the play’s director. “Who says a 100-year-old Mother Road doesn’t have a few tricks up her sleeve?”
