The Great American Melodrama Opens Summer Season with THE CROCK OF GOLD

The Great American Melodrama kicked off its summer season of exciting melodrama on June 17 with THE CROCK OF GOLD, written by Silas S. Steele and directed by Eric Hoit.

At the center of this thrilling play is the crock itself - a honey pot full of gold coins that is stolen from its hiding place by the despicable Simon Jennings (Jim Shine), only to be lost soon after. The crock then finds its way into the hands of Roger Acton (Chuck McLane), an honest but poor man who finds himself sorely tempted by this unexpected discovery. Will Roger heed the warnings of wife Molly and daughter Grace (Bree Murphy, Megan C.C. Walker) that possession of the crock will only bring sorrow? Will parlor maid Sarah Slack (Katie Worley) and her beau, the young fisherman Peter Perch (Jim McCaffrey), succeed in protecting Grace from Simon's villainous advances? And will the testimony of the poacher Ben Burke (Andrew Beck) be enough to save Roger when he is falsely accused of the murder of the crock's owner? Audiences will find out as they laugh, boo and cheer their way through this terrific blend of comedy and melodrama.

Following THE CROCK OF GOLD at each performance, the cast heads for the mountains in THE GREAT OUTDOORS VAUDEVILLE REVUE. The best and funniest parts of camping are celebrated in this song, dance and comedy revue, including setting up camp, taking a nature walk, and telling scary stories around the campfire. And audiences won't want to miss the ‘behind the scenes' look at how forest animals really behave when the humans are not around. Written by Suzy Newman and JorDan Richardson, the revue is directed by Newman, with musical direction by Aaron Lamb and choreography by Michael Jenkinson and Katie Worley.

THE CROCK OF GOLD and THE GREAT OUTDOORS VAUDEVILLE REVUE will play from June 17 through September 18. (Beginning July 15 this show will alternate with the Melodrama's second summer show, THE TAVERN.)

Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 4:30 and 8:30 pm, and Sundays at 6 pm. 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 seniors, students, children and groups.

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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