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the 2008
melodrama is now
closed for the season...
"Falsehood Laid Bare
or
The Prophet of Doom"
This
year, the old-fashioned comedy-melodrama is presented in honor of the late Iola
Barbee, longtime Julian melodrama playwright, who passed away last year just two
weeks after the melodrama ended its month-long run.
Falsehood Laid Bare or The Prophet of Doom,
written by Iola, was the winning entry in a writing contest held for Julian
melodrama scripts in 1999.
As
always, the story is set in the late 1800's and is based (with artistic license)
on the history of Julian, featuring a heroine in distress with the handsome,
robust hero rescuing her from the evil villain – or villains?
Falsehood Laid Bare or The Prophet of Doom
is a comedy about a strange sage who wanders down from Volcan Mountain raving
about an evil presence – or is it two? – in Julian City. A true bandito and his
villainous imposter are up to no good amongst the folks of Julian who plan to
have a grand turn-of-the-century celebration with monies donated by the
well-meaning townspeople. Budding romance, edge-of-your-seat tension, and
lurking danger add to the humorous portrayal of life, mannerisms, and apparel in
this classic melodrama.
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!
Between
acts will be an "olio" (variety show) featuring local talent with guitar and
dulcimer players, singers, junior cancan dancers, and the famous Triangle Club
Chorus (a.k.a. Julian Floozies),
as seen on Huell Howser's California Gold!
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! Iola 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 4th 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
3rd. 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
Cast of Characters – In Order of Appearance
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Sarah Ann Dippitous |
Our heroine, a sweet young thing who runs the Grubsteak Café and
plans a big fête |
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Rocky Diggins |
Our hero, a sturdy miner, who plans to share Sarah's fate
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Dan the Sage of Volcan Mountain |
A strange figure, also known as the Prophet of Doom, on a mysterious
mission |
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Wildon Wyley |
All-around villain, who is looking for a few bad, profitable deeds |
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Gussie LaTour |
As a friend of Wildon Wyley, she faces a fate worse than death |
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Pepito el Bandito |
Appears and disappears, and the cash goes with him |
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Lucita la Bandita |
Her heart is hog-tied to Pepito's |
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Ma Belle Ringer |
Helps out in the diner and keeps her broom handy |
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Ben Stirrin |
Handy man with a fry pan, who works in the diner |
NOW Online
The Highlight Video
Gallery
of the 2007 and 2008 Melodrama
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