Don’t miss the 2025 Holiday Vaudville!

There’s food, too, so try not to laugh with your mouth open

—The Great American Melodrama Theatre in Oceano is a unique evening of music and comedy that has thrilled audiences since opening its doors in 1975. The theatre offers fun, interactive, family-friendly performances with top-tier professional actors from all over the country who greet audiences at the door, entertain them all evening on and off stage, and deliver the best performances on the Central Coast.

Known as “the Melodrama” by its fans, the theatre offers fresh, funny shows with titles that you won’t see anywhere else. Modern musical plays or contemporary takes on familiar stories are all performed in the melodrama style, including the use of broad comedy and larger-than-life characters. In true melodrama theatre style, audiences are encouraged to boo the villain, cheer the hero, and swoon for the lovers.

A favorite experience for many in the audience is interacting with the performers throughout the evening. The actors not only perform but also greet guests at the door, show them to their seats, serve food at the snack bar, and take time during intermission to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries in the crowd.

With a wide variety of food, snacks, desserts, beer, wine, and sodas as well as a third-act Vaudeville Revue, an evening at the Melodrama is three experiences in one: A great play, delicious dining, and a themed cabaret full of music, parody, and comedy sketches.

Onstage over the next few months is a special twist on the legend of Bonnie and Clyde and the Melodrama’s annual highly anticipated Holiday Extravaganza.

Bonnie & Hyde, September 26-November 15

Bonnie and Clyde were just a couple of lovable rogues—until they weren’t. Jekyll seemed all good vibes until Hyde crashed the party. Now that all these troublemakers are in the same room, they’re left to ponder the ultimate showdown. If in every person there is a battle between good and evil, which will prevail?

Holiday Extravaganza, November 15-December 31

This annually anticipated trio of holiday joy is a family holiday tradition. Watch Scrooge rediscover his Christmas cheer in a delightful tale brimming with holiday enchantment. Giggle until your sides hurt with the wacky cast in a fairy tale operetta that’s gone off the tracks. Jingle along to the festive tunes in the Holiday Vaudeville Revue.

The Great American Melodrama Theatre is located at 1863 Front St, Oceano. The box office is located at 1827 Front St. For tickets and more information, visit americanmelodrama.com or call the box office at (805) 489-2499.