Melodrama season opens Friday in Mantorville

Mantorville kicks off the summer melodrama season this Friday night with the “The Inheritance or Not Dead Yet” by Nan Strauss.
While recuperating from an illness, the kindly and well-to-do Augusta Richards realizes not everyone is keen on her recovery. Can her caring friends thwart her evil family? Can the good doctor come to her aid? Can love find a way for a happy ending? Yes, of course! This is Mantorville.
The melodrama will open on Friday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mantorville Opera House in downtown Mantorville. Cost is $10.
Performances continue through June 30 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
The cast includes: Doreen Coleman as Augusta; Arlio Gall and Emma Wilson as Junia and Julia, Augusta’s two conniving nieces; Catherine Williamson as Augusta’s caring hired companion; Jason Pederson as the dutiful Dr. Doalot; and Beau Bucknell as the doctor’s handsome young assistant.Playing the piano for the performances is Susan Shepard with Lycus Flaherty on lighting design. Nan Strauss doubles as playwright and director.
Those attending the performances are reminded that there is construction on Highway 57 through Mantorville this summer and detours are in place.
The bridge over the Zumbro River as one enters Mantorville from the south was closed earlier this week for one week, if the weather cooperates, so those attending will need to follow the detours for alternate routes.
The Mantorville Theatre Company has posted information on the detours on their website at www.mantorvilletheatrecompany.com.
Throughout the construction project, Mantorville businesses and the Mantorville Chamber of Commerce are stressing that the city is still open and summer activities are continuing.
The Mantorville Theatre Company also reminds those attending that the melodramas are short, about one hour, and that leaves time to shop and eat in town before the show on Friday and Saturday and before or after on Sunday. The Hubbell House is fine with parking in their lot for the show.
Also, the road in front of the Opera House is not under construction and there is plenty of free parking.
There are also still a few openings for ushers and greeters. Volunteer and you can see the show for free. Sign up at signupgenius.com/go/80/49509968-melodrama#/.