Melodrama Presents TRUDY AND THE BEAST 9/23-11/14

A "tale as old as time" is given a complete makeover as The Great American Melodrama presents the hilarious musical spoof, "Trudy and the Beast, or the Creature from the Black Lake Lagoon," opening September 23 and running through November 14.

Written by Eric Hoit and JorDan Richardson, "Trudy and the Beast" puts a new spin on everybody's favorite fairy-tale by blending it with a sci-fi classic, updating it to the present day and mixing in song parodies and pop culture references. A strange creature - half-man, half-fish - has reportedly been spotted near the lagoon on the 13th hole of the Black Lake Golf Course in Nipomo. Trudy (Katie Worley), an avid golfer, dismisses these stories as urban legend, but the self-centered local pro, Gerard (Chuck McLane), and his shy caddy, Felix (Daniel Self) skip the 13th hole just in case. When Trudy's silly friend Minnie (Leah Kolb) joins them all on the course one day, the group is surprised and horrified when the Creature appears and takes a particular interest in Trudy. In a cavern deep below the lagoon, we learn that the Creature (Andrew Beck) was a professional golfer, now transformed into this hideous amphibian, while his caddy, Cartsworth (Billy Breed), and his agent, Mrs. Putts (Bree Murphy), are suffering similar fates. What did this trio do to deserve this punishment, and can they be restored to their normal lives? Does true love contain the transformative power, and is Trudy the key? All these questions are answered as this hilarious new musical makes it way along the golf course en route to a happy ending. Written in the style of last year's hit "Scary Poppins," and put together by the same production team of director Eric Hoit, musical director JorDan Richardson, choreographer Michael Jenkinson, technical director Gary Adams and costume designer Jim Tanner, this show is sure to hit a 'hole-in-one' with all ages.

Following "Trudy and the Beast" at each performance is the "Zombie Vaudeville Revue." It's nighttime in the cemetery and the undead are breaking out and cutting loose for a party full of song and dance. You haven't lived - or died - until you've seen zombies 'trip the dark fantastic' to "You and the Night and the Music" or rock out to the "Zombie Rap." Written and directed by Erik Stein, with musical direction and arrangements by JorDan Richardson and choreography by Michael Jenkinson and Daniel Self, this revue is sure to set your toes a-tapping. Just be careful they don't fall off!

"Trudy and the Beast" and the "Zombie Vaudeville Revue" play through November 14. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4:30 and 8:30pm, and Sundays at 6pm. (On Thursday October 14 a 2pm matinee will replace the 7pm performance.) The Melodrama's in-house snack bar features great food and drinks served before the show and during intermissions. For more information or to make reservations call the Melodrama Box Office at 805-489-2499. The Great American Melodrama is located on Highway 1 in Oceano, just three miles south of Pismo Beach. Now in its 35th year, the Melodrama has been providing professional family entertainment on the Central Coast since 1975.

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