Boo the villains at the Great American Melodrama.
‘Boo the villains, cheer the heroes, swoon for the lovers’
The Great American Melodrama Theatre in Oceano is a unique evening of music and comedy that has thrilled audiences for 48 years. The theatre offers fun, interactive, family-friendly performances with top-tier professional actors 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 at any other theatre around. 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, and 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 them 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 now
Gunsmokin’, running through September 7—The town of Rooster Punch may be getting a railroad, but the locals fear they won’t be able to afford the new taxes. Saloon owner, Perky Lapett offers to buy everyone’s land and rent it back to them at an affordable rate. The citizens would stand up to Perky, but they don’t have the protection of their sheriff as every new sheriff that gets elected is murdered. Can Kit, a local woman, fill the role of Sheriff to protect the good people of Rooster Punch and their land?
Coming attractions
- Werewolf of Arroyo Grande, September 13-November 9—After a man relocates to Arroyo Grande to start up his nut-based fast-food restaurant, he discovers that the town is terrorized by a terrible hair-raising werewolf! The village must come together to put an end to the canine horror before it’s too late.
- Holiday Extravaganza, November 15-December 31—The heartwarming story of Scrooge’s redemption continues to inspire. A Christmas Carol is followed by the fractured fairytale opera parody and the holiday vaudeville review.
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.
—Lisa Pretty
