'Whistlestop' holds extra performance

The Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center's original melodrama, "Return to Whistlestop," running this weekend, is sold out Friday and Saturday, with just a handful of tickets left for Sunday's matinee.

Producers of the show have decided to hold an extra "dress rehearsal performance" on Thursday, at a reduced cost of $5 per ticket. The cost does not include a meal as with the weekend performances.

"(There are) waiting lists for Friday and Saturday," said director Sue Smith, whose husband, John, wrote the play. "We will hold an open-to-the-public dress rehearsal on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. at the museum. There will be a $5 charge, with no food. Show up at the door for a seat."

The melodrama sequel to Smith's first play he wrote for the museum, "Whistlestop," which opened in November 2005, has the same wit and humor drawing from Carson Valley's historical facts.

The show, featuring music by Chuck Wayne, should take about an hour and a half. Sunday's matinee, at 1 p.m., 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.

For more information, call the museum at 782-2555. The Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center is located at 1477 Highway 395 in Gardnerville.