Take in a show, save the world.

Or at least help other folks do the saving.

Folks from across Kootenai County are performing an original theater production this weekend, with proceeds going toward mission trips arranged through New Life Community Church.

"It's a pretty neat thing for all of us," said play writer and director Mary Hanks. "To feel like we're kind of the mouse on the elephant. We get to ride along and say, 'Look at what we're doing.'"

Three individuals from the Rathdrum church will be flying to India later this month to visit schools and orphanages, Mary said. That includes her daughter, Debby Hanks, the youth pastor's assistant who has crossed the ocean many times to help those in need.

"I would like to raise enough to help them all finish up the funding they need," Mary said, estimating that figure around $2,500.

After success with such an endeavor last year, the proud mother volunteered to author a play to help fund the globetrotting.

And not just any play.

A Wild West spoof.

Hanks predicted audiences will chortle all through "Trouble Junction," in which Wyatt Flerp is constantly mistaken for the gunslinging sheriff of similar name.

"I can't tell you whether he really is or not," said Mary, promising a plot twist.

Sounds a little goofy? Well, that's the point.

It's a family-friendly production, she said, aimed at boosting people's moods.

"I would say if they want to have a fun, lively night out, it would be an exciting adventure for them," she said. "And also that they would be doing a good deed."

Mary, a playwright from Blanchard, Wash., is a little biased about the quality of the acting, since her three children fill the starring roles.

Phil Hanks will play Wyatt Flerp, Shem Hanks will channel Messy James and Debby will take on the role of Calamity Pain.

All of her offspring hail from the Coeur d'Alene and Hayden areas, Mary added.

Other actors span the county, some connected to Mary through past plays or through New Life.

"It's really enjoyable for me to get to work with kids and young people," Mary said, adding that all the actors collaborated on the surprise ending. "It's been a group project."

Church interns Kevin John and Justine Bunch hope to head to India with Debby.

The performance runs from tonight through Saturday, at 7 each night, at the Family Worship Center at 661 West Dakota Ave., Hayden.

Tickets are $7 at the door.

Between the nine performers, Mary added, they have been involved with 62 productions with her.

So expect talent on stage, she said.

"There's a great deal of experience in that core group," she said.