Melodrama's BACK AFTER THIS BREAK Closes 6/13

Beginning April 29, The Great American Melodrama in Oceano presents the first production of a new play by Neal LaVine, "Back After This Break." Mr. LaVine, who was artistic director at the Melodrama in the 1990's, has crafted a terrific comedy that takes place on the set of a television sitcom in the mid 1960's. Tom and Tina Trevor (Chuck McLane and Katie Worley) are married actors who portray a married couple on their hit show, "My Favorite Wife." However happy the two may seem on TV, their real-life relationship is on shaky ground, so it is up to their co-stars, Bill Chumley and Wilma Wendall (Jim Shine and Bree Murphy), and their young director, Steve Stuckerman (Jim McCaffrey), to try to keep the off-set drama from destroying the show. Complicating matters is Hollywood gossip reporter Hilda Hepper (Suzy Newman), who is nosing around the studio looking for juicy tidbits to spread around. And when Hilda manages to snag a guest spot on the show's season premiere, it's anybody's guess what will happen as things start to unravel during the live broadcast. This delightful new farce is directed by George Walker, with costumes and wigs by Jim Tanner and sets by Gary Adams.

Following "Back After This Break" at each performance, the Melodrama cast heads to the classroom for the "School Daze Vaudeville Revue." This song, dance and comedy-filled look at a day in an elementary school class puts the "fun" back into the fundamentals. Director Eric Hoit, Musical Director JorDan Richardson, and Choreographer Michael Jenkinson prove that geography, spelling, and book reports are much more entertaining when set to music, and you've never seen a school cafeteria look or sound quite like this one! You'll be wishing that all school days were this much fun!

"Back After This Break" and the "School Daze Vaudeville Revue" play through June 13th. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4:30 and 8:30pm, and Sundays at 6pm. (On Thursday May 13th a 2pm matinee will replace the 7pm performance.) The Melodrama's in-house snack bar features great food and drinks served before the show and during intermissions.

Tickets are $18 to $22, with discounts available for groups, seniors, students, active military, and children. For more information or to make reservations call the Melodrama Box Office at 805-489-2499. The Great American Melodrama is located on Highway 1 in Oceano, just three miles south of Pismo Beach. The Melodrama has been providing professional family entertainment on the Central Coast since 1975. www.americanmelodrama.com

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