Stepping out: Potter Melodrama "Rogue of the Railway" brings chills and cheers to the stage

Professor Silias Scavenger is a nefarious cad, intent on fleecing the good people of Buffalo Bend—and woe unto those who cross his path.

The conniving evildoer travels from town to town selling snake oil to unwitting pioneers along the Union Pacific line in western Nebraska. Such is his lack of humanity he even keeps his own minions in line with a well-cracked bullwhip.

But that’s not the only patch of trouble facing the stage community. Sheriff Billy Bold, the town's pillar of honesty and all things decent, is torn between the doting love of sweet Dakota Melody and gunslinging allure of Wild Prairie Rose—a woman so worldly she has traveled to far off metropolitan dens of sophistication like Sidney.

The characters clash in Potter’s melodrama presentation of “Rogue of the Railway,” performed at the town’s Legion Hall from tonight—June 27—through Saturday.

“I’ve always liked the older style of melodrama,” said Drew Enevoldsen, who plays the professor with slithering, villainous glee. “The audience participation is fun.”

Unlike the typical stage production, however, “Rogue of the Railway” develops its characters, adding contradictions and flaws, sometimes fatal. The sheriff, played by newcomer Luke Egging, must fight temptation for two women. His would-be bride—portrayed by Talia Enevoldsen—comes to terms with a jealous streak that goes against her generous philosophy. Scavenger’s sidekick, an unwilling foil depicted admirably by Cory Lenstrom, constantly battles the better angels of his nature.

“I’ve never played a part like this before,” Talia Enevoldsen admitted, referring to the at once sugary and tortured Dakota Melody. “It’s very different.”

In many ways, however, the play is traditional. There are corny jokes, catchy tunes, a Pinkerton agent (John Monheiser) sporting a comical moustache and a bad guy so despicable the audience almost can’t help but issue hisses and hurl tomatoes whenever he appears on stage. Drew Enevoldsen may be one of the best melodrama antagonists in the Nebraska panhandle.

At one point the heroine ends up tied to the tracks—pure melodrama.

It opens in the hotel operated by Melody. On a dreary day, she explains in song why they should always see the bright side of life. A commotion outside announces the arrival in Buffalo Bend of the scalawag, Silias Scavenger, and his crew of miscreants.

Of course, no one is yet aware of Scavenger’s ill-begotten plans. They welcome him and promise to attend his medicine show. Following their initial meeting, however, Sheriff Bold admits to doubts about the visitor’s repute.

You know a comeuppance is waiting in the wings, about 45 minutes into the production. But in between is a delightful roller coaster of oohs, ahs, laughter and catcalls. Wild Prairie Rose tries win Sheriff Bold’s heart—“he’s by far the best looking man in the county,” actress Anna Steele quipped—but (as you might guess), the good guy remains true in the end.

“I stand by my gal,” Egging said. “No wavering.”

Egging is a melodrama rookie. Yet the talent involved is atypical for a small town production. Lenstrom and Drew Enevoldsen have worked together in the past and their comic timing is well honed. Anna Steele, who plays Wild Prairie Rose, is a veteran of Broadway who—in melodramatic fashion—found her way to the high plains in pursuit of love.

“Being able to act for a good cause”—revenue from the play goes toward upkeep of Potter’s historic Legion Hall—“that makes it worthwhile,” Steele said. “I love this little group.”

Indeed, the most attractive aspect of Potter’s production is the camaraderie. Between veterans and rookies, they’ve pieced together an accomplished crew and a play that earns both laughter and applause.

Their love of the stage and the script shows.

“You get to have fun and the community enjoys it,” Lenstrom said. “I’ll keep doing it as long as they keep asking me.”

Doors open each night at 6 p.m. The curtain rises at 7 p.m.

"Rogue of the Railway...or Should He Free Her or Knot?"

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7 p.m.

American Legion Hall, Potter

Adults: $6 (proceeds go toward Legion Post 291)

Cast

Jake, a farmer...Ben Hutchinson

Zenobia, a farm girl...Bekah Hutchinson

Sarah, yet another farm girl...Riyatta Frye

Tillie, farm girl who hates housework...Jennaya Frye

Mrs. Bradman, a gung-ho tourist...Janetta Lenstrom

Dakota Melody, cornflower of Buffalo Bend...Talia Enevoldsen

Running Water, Indian imposter...Cory Lenstrom

Theadora Baracuda, tragic actress...Kayla Johnson

Laurette, dancer...Donica Enevoldsen

Fifi, dancer...Rose Nelson

Pee Wee, midget...Lief Enevoldsen

Professor Silias Scavenger, black hearted scoundrel...Drew Enevoldsen

Sheriff Billy Bold, our hero...Luke Egging

Rufus Clang, a Pinkerton man...John Monheiser

Wild Prairie Rose, female Jesse James...Anna Steele

The Three Amigos...Kirk, Hal and Jett Enevoldsen

Piano: Jodi Enevoldsen

Engineer: Jerry Steele

Director: Drew Enevoldsen

Choreography: Anna Steele