Not every actress makes it to Hollywood. Some don't even make it out of Nevada.
The third and final production of Middlebury Community Players Company Be's 2023 summer season is the bittersweet comedy, Wally's Cafe. In 1940, Wally Murdock follows his dream by buying a hamburger stand 40 miles outside Las Vegas, dragging his reluctant but loving wife Louise out of New Jersey to join him. On the night before they open, Janet, a no-talent hopeful hitchhiking to Hollywood to follow her dream, knocks on their door. Before anybody can figure out what happens, she's signed on as their one and only waitress.
Jump 18 years in the future. It's 1958, and Janet and Wally are still there, still hopeful. But Louise, the pragmatist, has finally had it. The business is not and has never been a success. In the argument that follows, secrets are revealed, and Janet is set packing.
It's 1980 and Wally and Louise are packing up. The restaurant may never have been successful, but they finally realize their marriage and mutual love have been the real success in their lives. They can't honestly ask for anything greater. Until Janet returns after 22 years to bring them a totally unexpected Hollywood, happy ending!
Wally's Cafe runs Thursday through Saturday, August 17 to 19 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, August 20, 2:00 PM at the Vergennes Opera House, 120 Main Street, Vergennes. Tickets are $10 (cash or check only) at the door. Reservations can be made by calling 802 377-3540. For further information, go to middleburycommunityplayers.org.