NOW Online
The Highlight Photo Gallery
of the 50th Melodrama

This year we start our 5^th decade of old time Melodrama performances, last year having celebrated our 50^th anniversary (see photos!). The play that director Bobbie Green has chosen for this year is a comedy written by former Julian resident, Iola Barbee, especially for the Julian Melodrama. It is one of our favorites and has been brought back by popular demand several other times over the past few decades and was last performed in 1999. 

As always, the story is loosely based on the history of Julian and features the handsome, robust hero coming to the rescue in the nick of time to foil the villain’s evil plans and rescue the young heroine. Temptation Defied or Infamy Behind the Curtain is a comedy about a roving band of dubious actors but their act stretches farther than the stage as they play their roles to fleece the folks of Julian.

Audience participation is always encouraged, booing the villain, cheering the hero and “ahhhhs” for the sweet heroine. Sometimes the characters need warning or advice-- but keep it clean-- it’s a family show!

Participation in the all-volunteer amateur production is a huge time commitment, which has been shared over the past 50 years by almost every family in Julian. Director Bobbie Green has been participating in the Melodrama over 35 years! Lola Barbee has tirelessly written most of our plays at least as long. It’s held during October Apple Days, a community effort that demonstrates the lively spirit of our town. Proceeds from the Melodrama go toward scholarships to Julian graduating seniors, helps support the old fashioned 4^th of July Parade, brings Santa Claus to Town Hall for the children’s Christmas party, and sponsors local Youth organizations and sports and educational opportunities.

Come join us for 90 minutes of old-fashioned, inexpensive family FUN and entertainment. Performances are at 7:15 PM Friday and Saturday nights and 1:15 PM Saturday and Sundays afternoons, four full weekends in October, starting Oct 6^th.  It’s being held in the same place as always, Julian’s Historic Town Hall on the corner of Main St and Washington. There are many other events going on during Apple Days in Sept and October so be sure to visit the Chamber of Commerce website at www.JulianCA.com