Diner theater: Wally's Café serves up decades of laughter

Naples Players' current production of the comedy Wally's Café serves up a hardy helping of laughter in the Tobye Studio at the Sugden Community Theatre through June 17.

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Wally's Café follows three characters over a span of 35 years as they endure the highs and lows of the hash-slinging set and their exchanges with each other.

This "buddy" comedy of sorts is a comedic character study with a nostalgic twist. It follows three characters over a span of 35 years as they endure the highs and lows of the hash-slinging set and their exchanges with each other.

The story of Wally's Café begins in the summer of 1945. Wally, played by Michael Troop, and his wife, Louise, played by Bonnie Knapp, have moved from New Jersey to the Mojave Desert in California, where they are preparing to take over a roadside diner.

Wally and Louise are busy preparing the diner for the grand opening. He is optimistic, while she has reservations about living in and running a giant hamburger-shaped greasy spoon. The couple is interrupted by a bottle-blonde stranger knocking on their door.

Janet, played by Krista Lewis, is a would-be starlet waylaid on her way to Hollywood. As Janet chews their ear and drinks their coffee, they begin to befriend each other and the visit develops into more than just a pit stop.

From there the story jumps to the summer of 1960. Fifteen years have taken their toll on Wally's optimism and Louise's patience. A lack of business and the lackluster state of affairs in their marriage have raised the tensions around the café. Janet is also there, after returning from some scandalous goings-on in Tinseltown. Both in business and in life, the honeymoon period is over and they have a lot to say about it.

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Wally's Café is a comedic character study with a nostalgic twist.

The last portion of the production takes place in the summer of 1980. Now elderly, Wally and Louise are again preparing for a life change. They are throwing in the towel and packing up to sell the café. They plan to finally retire and relocate to a retirement home.

Again a blonde stranger knocks on their door. Janet is back again with a whole new chapter of her life story to share with her old friends and she has a surprise that will really change their plans.

Wally's Café spans the years with different styles. Playwrights Sam Bobrick and Ron Clark have infused each segment of the story with a style that is characteristic of the eras in which they are set. The scene in 1945 has a sweet and innocent feel just like any of the old classic comedies.

When we reach the 1960s the topics of conversation and the style shift to a more bawdy tone, indicative of that swingin' decade. In the 1980s the story changes to reflect the effects of aging. These stylistic shifts add a very unique element to the script.

There are many good one-liners and the dialogue has a lot of wit. The only negative aspect of the script is that it relies heavily on exposition to tell most of the story. It would have been fun to see some of the talked-about events take place.

Bonnie Knapp, Michael Troop and Krista Lewis all do a fine job as the denizens of the diner — Louise, Wally and Janet, respectively. The three actors work very nicely with each other and create an enjoyable ensemble performance.

Credit must also be given to director Thereasa Bill. The play clipped right along and the comic timing worked well. The use of period tunes on the jukebox to herald in each new era was also a very effective touch.

The set and costumes for Wally's Café were wonderful. The work of scenic designer Michael Santos and costume designer Dot Auchmoody was truly an asset to this production.

If you crave some lighthearted summer fare, then Wally's Café will hit the spot. Performances are offered at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets can be ordered by calling the box office at 263-7990.