Thirty years ago, in Mills County, Iowa, a group of theater buffs started a community theater group. This group chose a melodrama for its first production – “No Opera at the Opr’y House Tonight, or Too Good To Be True”. Now, this same group, the Mills Masquers, is celebrating its 30th anniversary by staging that very same comedy. The opening performance, at the Barton Theater north of Glenwood, is scheduled for Friday, October 12 at 7:30 PM. Other show dates include October 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 PM and October 14 and 21 at 2 PM. Director Kerri Drake has worked hard to bring this melodrama to life, with all the panache a melodrama deserves. The show is somewhat of a live cartoon, with tongue-in-cheek humor, plays on words, and the expected touch of over-the-top acting. The show, in typical melodramatic style, features a heroine (or two), a hero, and a pair of villains. Of course, the usual happy ending is involved demonstrating “all’s well that ends well”. The show opens with the plight of Billy Bright, famous yet starving composer, and his faithful sister, Betty. They are about to be evicted from their tattered hovel by the local constabulary, Sheriff Big Gulch. Although Billy is a Famous Composer, he has not yet sold any of his work. Family circumstances have left brother and sister penniless – and without a piano. So, Billy hums as he composes, while Betty tries to remain optimistic. Ken Whitacre makes a departure from his usual role as a “heavy” and handles the part of Billy Bright. Ken proves his versatility as an actor, showing he can play more than one type of character. Carol Schramm portrays Betty with a flit and a flutter, giving the role the comedic touch it deserves. Harvey Fritz, who appeared in the original cast in 1977, plays a different character this time – the sheriff. Harvey’s performance as Gulch will bring a grin to your face! Billy takes his composition, an opera called “Ill Pistachio”, to the manager of the local Salami Opera Company. While waiting to meet the manager, he becomes acquainted and enamored with the company’s prima donna, Alma Pumpernickel, played by Jolene Hensley. Jolene handles the role of heroine adeptly, batting her eyes coquettishly as she flirts with our hero. Madame Violetta, played by Nancy Wright, is the over-bearing “manageress” of the Salami Opera Company. It has been said “her voice must be heard to be depreciated” Nancy lets the audience know how Violetta’s life is all about opera, and the resurrection of her own career as a singer without equal. She gives a superb over-the-top performance. Other members of the opera company are Claude Hopper, played by Dan Jones, and Cindy Lou, played alternately by Kelsey Arnold and Cassandra White. Dan does a fine job with the unassuming character of his alter ego Claude, yet demonstrates spunk when his romantic future is on the line. Both Kelsey and Cassandra give good performances as Cindy Lou, who lost her father long ago in an avalanche of ice and snow. Every melodrama needs a villain, and in this case, it's Baron Wolfgang Von Wolfpack and his sneaky accomplice, Lily Liverspot. Played by Jeff DeYoung and Margaret Dishman, respectively, the audience will enjoy adding their “boo – hiss” responses to the evil machinations of this pair. Jeff is wonderfully convincing in his portrayal of the conniving Wolfpack, right down to his wicked laugh, and seems to relish playing the role of the villain. Margaret gives the appearance of being a kind, motherly sort – until she starts delivering Lily’s lines. It soon becomes apparent that Margaret has a knack for acting nasty! Rounding out the cast are the seafaring man, Captain Alkali (Bill Pugsley), and the woman in the shawl (Lois Pitchfork). Bill brings his own special style to the part of the somewhat confused sea captain, while Lois adds her trademark deadpan humor to her cameo role. Join in the fun and experience this top-notch melodrama first hand! The show is suitable family entertainment for all ages, and features several “olio” acts between scenes, somewhat reminiscent of a vaudeville-type entertainment. Tickets are available at Glenwood State Bank on the square in Glenwood. Reservations can also be make online (www.millsmasquers.org) or by leaving a phone message at the theater (712-527-3600). Tickets will also be available at the door. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $9 for students and senior citizens, and $6 for children 12 and under.
Billy Bright (an impoverished nobleman)........................Ken Whitacre Betty (his faithful sister)...............................................Carol Schramm Alma Pumpernickle (a prima donna)..............................Jolene Hensley Baron Wolfgang von Wolfpack (a scoundrel)...................Jeff DeYoung Madam Violetta (a grand artiste)....................................Nancy Wright Lily Liverspot (a notorious creature)...............................Margaret Dishman Sheriff Big Gulch (a servant of the law)..........................Harvey Fritz Claude Hopper (a good sort).........................................Dan Jones Cindy Lou (a searching seamstress)..............Cassandra White & Kelsey Arnold Cap'n Alkali (a seafaring man)......................................Bill Pugsley Woman in Shawl (a seeker of revenge)..........................Lois Pitchfork
Place: The town of Desert Rate, in the Arizona Territory
