Melodrama time is almost here! Do not miss the fun! Director, Dane Leeper has announced that this year’s melodrama was written by Greenville native, Kent Holmes and is titled: “Dirt Rush or...Clear As Mud In Brownsville.” The play is about a tiny town in rural Ohio who’s growth and crime rate exploded with the ‘Dirt Rush’…kind of like a gold rush, but, well, with dirt! Bumbling Mayor Brown is up for re-election and to boost his votes, he hires a new town marshal and a new security officer for the local bank. But plans soon backfire when the new marshal’s crooked past is revealed!
Both Kent and his father, Larry Holmes, are in the cast portraying Blind Bobby Bobbie and Mayor Brown. Other cast members include Simon Hoying as Spot Brown, the hero and Spring Koger as the lovely heroine, Norma Lee Boring. James Maloney and Jackie Middleton portray our villain, Hugh Morris and our villainess, Big Ol Mama Juju. Sandy Hartley is Mayor Brown’s wife, while Jackson Aukerman is Pepe Roni, the Mayor’s campaign manager. Matt Cline has been cast as Baron Von Achoo, a local man of the law. The local newspaper is run by Dusty Pants, played by Devon Persons. Taylor Dorn has been cast as Dusty’s wife, Anita Pants and Olivia Leeper is their daughter, Capri Pants. Kari Kramer and Jay-Paul Choudhary round out the cast as Sally Silence and the bank robber.
The Annie Oakley Days Melodrama is free with your paid admission to the festival. Performances are Thursday, July 26th and Friday, July 27th at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, July 28th at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, July 29th at 1:00 p.m. All melodrama performances are at the Youth Building.
This year’s festival has many fun and exciting events, so come out to shop and eat, and then come hiss and boo and cheer at the melodrama! For more information check out www.darkecountycivictheater.org or call 937-337-2265. The Darke County Civic Theater is a non profit organization.