All aboard!

Amidst lines like "I'm so alone and helpless," and "Curses, foiled again," heroes, ladies in distress and a villain will once again grace the stage at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center for a sequel to the 2005 production of "Whistlestop."

"Return to Whistlestop," a Douglas County Historical Society fundraiser, will be presented Jan. 26, 27 and 28 at the museum.

John Smith once again wrote the script, and his wife, Sue, will be directing it. This time there are new names and places added, once again pertaining to Carson Valley. There will also be new faces in this year's play, including a newcomer to the Valley who will play the lead role of the heroine. Cindy White will take the role of heroine and Scott Imus, who plays a bar patron, moved to Minden from Pleasant Valley in the summer.

"Cindy was in drama for years, and this is my first time," said Imus. "It's for a good cause - the historical society, and it's a chance to get integrated into the community and it's a lot of fun."

"It just sounded like fun and we wanted to do something in support of the historical society," said White, who with her long blonde hair, fits the part of the heroine. White said she acted in plays in both high school and college.

Cast members waited their turns to go on stage at a rehearsal on Wednesday. Dick Young, wearing a Mormon hat, walked around carrying a Bible. Ladies were dressed in feather hats and boas, as Sue Smith told everyone "quiet on the set."

Debbie Byers plays a "cousin," with a very German accent she said she acquired from her grandmother, Auguste Hellwinkel.

"She was an immigrant from Germany," said Byers. "She is buried in the Garden Cemetery."

Bill Sweeney, who joined the cast this year as the hero, was conversing with Dave and Dee Bauer, who play the stationmaster and a divorcee.

"We did it because we want to support the museum," said Dave. "This is a great way to meet people."

The play takes place at a train station, and is sprinkled with historical facts and "inside jokes" that Nevadans are sure to appreciate. John Smith's names for the characters will be just one of the surprises in store for the audience of "Return to Whistlestop."

Music for the play is provided by Chuck Wayne.

The 6 p.m. dinner show on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26-27 are $20 per person and features lasagna, salad, bread, peach cobbler and coffee. Wine will be available for a donation at all performances. A 1 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Jan. 28, will feature hot dogs and all the trimmings for $15 per person. The lunch will be furnished by the B.P.O. Elks No. 2670. Tickets are limited and now on sale at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 1477 Highway 395 in Gardnerville. Seating is limited so advanced ticket purchase is necessary.

For more information call 782-2555.