Melodrama Saturday, Sunday

Acting in this weekend's Southwest Public Schools Foundation's melodrama are, front from left, JeriLynn Karr, John O'Dea, Janet Cornwell and Larry Foster. Back, Dave Downy, Pam Brown, Adam Cribelli, Darcie Keenportz, Brenda Hayes, Josh Keenportz and Kathy Latta. (Courtesy photo)

BARTLEY, Neb. -- "The Pony Expresso or... The Villain Came to a Grinding Halt," is shaping up to be another great Southwest Public Schools Foundation melodrama, with plenty of opportunities to boo and hiss.

It's set for 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at the Southwest High School auditorium in Bartley.

The Pony Expresso, a friendly establishment run by Star Bright, played by Darci Keenportz and Aunt Dee Caff, played by Kathy Latta, is struggling. Their customers are buying their coffee at a lower price from the scheming Mo Cabana, (Josh Keenportz) and Fifi Latte Brenda Hayes).

But the citizens are falling ill to an unexplained fainting disease. (It's strange... they feel good 'til the last drop.) Luckily, Buck Brawn, our handsome hero, (Adam Cribelli) bravely investigates the mysterious health dilemma. Things come to a boil when Mo and Fifi hear that Star and Dee are destined to become rich -- the railroad plans to make the Pony Expresso the new train station! When Mo and Fifi devise a plan that almost destroys them, the beans are spilled. Come and "perk up" with these actors and our "all star" cast!

Linda Clark is director, Ivy Stritt is stage manager, and Dona Roggen,amp is in charge of lights and sound.

This is in conjunction with Bartley Days. The FFA will be serving a meal from 5-6:30 before the play on Saturday and a Foundation hamburger feed following the show on Saturday. Proceeds go to the foundation to help fund scholarships. The Foundation hopes to see you all there.