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BOTTINEAU -- "Wally's Cafe" promises to be a wonderful place to visit, as Dakota College of Bottineau produces the two-act set in a roadside cafe in the California desert.

Director Tim Davis said the comedy, written by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick, showcases three new actors.

Jacob Bean of Bottineau portrays Wally Murdock, newly arrived at the desert cafe he has purchased. The opening scene, set in 1940, begins with the first day of a fresh start for Wally and his wife, Louise, played by Taylor Huber.

The Murdocks wonder what they have gotten themselves into with this move from New Jersey. To begin, the cafe, 40 miles west of Las Vegas, hardly appears to be the thriving enterprise they expected. It is located too far from the major highway running west from Las Vegas, and any business they get appears to be siphoned off by the competition, Bernie's Cafe, which is nearer the road.

However, the Murdocks need a fresh start. Wally's roving eye caused problems in New Jersey, and Louise can't claim a perfect marital record, either.

As they prepare for their grand opening the following day, a knock at the door proves to be Janet, played by Michelle Bruns. She was abandoned in Vegas by a boyfriend who lost his cash and his car there. Hired as a waitress, Janet, who was headed for Hollywood and stardom, becomes a fixture at Wally's.

"There is a short break between the first two scenes for make-up," Davis said. "We have to age these actors from 1940 to 1958 for the second scene.

"Plenty of make-up is required to change them from their youthful appearance in Scene 1 ... to the final scene in Act 2, (set) more than 40 years later," Davis said.

Wally's Cafe itself sees less change, however. Davis said due to generosity of local cafe owners, Herbel's Dario in Bottineau, audiences can enjoy a trip down memory lane, complete with a jukebox and an old-fashioned gas pump.

The director credits the set to Bob and Jan Baumann, Dick Gross and assistant director Sean McGreavy. He said costumes, by Beatrice Krogen, also are authentic. Davis said the play records "marital endurance" and has plenty of plot twists.

"I leaned heavily on help from the Bottineau Community Theater regulars, so it seems like a community production," Davis said.