A diner in the Mojave Desert is bound to be a hot place. And if we’re talking about laughs, then “Wally’s Cafe,” opening this weekend at The Alcove Dinner Theatre, is indeed a hot spot. But this greasy spoon is also filled with warmth of a different variety, as the show follows the fortunes and friendships of three people over a period of almost a half a century.

The show, produced by Bruce Jacklin & Company and directed by Jennifer Casner, starts off with a cute surprise in the form of a show program laid out like a menu. The scenes are linked by wonderful sound-collages created by Scott Swingle and Ian Ernsberger featuring pop songs and news reports that will give audience members hiding a few gray hairs — or a lot! — a wonderful trip down memory lane, from 1940 to 1981.

For the full story, click here to read the e-edition