Chambersburg native John Putch will premiere his new independent film, “Route 30 Too!” this weekend at Capital Theatre Center in his hometown. (source: Harrisburg Patriot-News)

by David N. Dunkle, The Patriot-News

“Central Pennsylvania native John Putch returned to the highway of his youth to let loose the wacky characters who reside in his head. The veteran writer and director has now done it twice, in fact, and is already planning a third visit to a fictional world he has created along U.S. 30 in south-central Pennsylvania, where strange people are always up to strange doings.

“His new indie film, ‘Route 30 Too!’ will have its world premiere on Sept. 8 and 9 at the Capitol Theatre Center in the Franklin County borough of Chambersburg, which is featured in the movie. It’s a sort-of sequel to his 2007 effort, ‘Route 30.’ The new film features the same general setting along the Lincoln Highway and some of the same actors, but with new characters and a different story.

“‘I had some more funny ideas,’ explained the 51-year-old Putch, son of famed actress Jean Stapleton and the late producer William Putch. ‘I can’t wait to push this puppy out.’

In ‘Route 30 Too!’ the plot is built around the discovery of a UFO in the woods by a man named Rotten Egg, owner of the Wild West Gentlemen’s Club. Other characters include an alien girl, a Baltimore choreographer, a Chambersburg real estate agent, UFO hunters, and a variety of colorful locals.

“Putch lives and works in Los Angeles, but knows this setting well. He was born in Chambersburg and practically grew up at Totem Pole Playhouse, a summer stock theater in Caledonia State Park. His father ran the theater and his mother often performed there, even after she became an Emmy-winning actress for her work in the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family.’ Putch also performed on the Totem Pole stage often, starting when he was 5.

“He’s gone on to a solid career in Hollywood. He’s acted in films, including a primary role in “Jaws 3D,” and guest starred on television shows ranging from ‘Hill Street Blues’ to ‘Seinfeld.’

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