What is a Melodrama?A Melodrama is a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions.
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What is an Olio?An Olio is a variety show including singing, dancing, and comedy sketches.
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HISTORY
St. James Melodrama began in 1976 in the “little theater” at Notre Dame on 35th and State St. The $300 rent included the full six weeks of rehearsal time and the production ran just three nights. We could seat 225 to 250 with a ticket price of only $3 each. A fourth night was added the following year and soon we had to increase to six shows. Even with two weekends, we needed more space and eventually moved to Notre Dame’s gym where we could accommodate 400+.
In 1997, that space was demolished for the construction of Seven Oaks Retirement facility and we relocated to the old Cathedral High School stage. Displaced again, after only two years, we moved to Sokol Auditorium, which again allowed us to increase the size of the audience.
After part of our group became members of the new St. Elizabeth Ann Parish, in 1982 our name changed to SJ/SEA Melodrama. As we enter our 38th season, participation continues to grow. We’ve had to recognize our organization as the “business” it has become and are now incorporated. No matter how we’ve changed over the years, however, we remain just a big family always ready to welcome new members.
In 1997, that space was demolished for the construction of Seven Oaks Retirement facility and we relocated to the old Cathedral High School stage. Displaced again, after only two years, we moved to Sokol Auditorium, which again allowed us to increase the size of the audience.
After part of our group became members of the new St. Elizabeth Ann Parish, in 1982 our name changed to SJ/SEA Melodrama. As we enter our 38th season, participation continues to grow. We’ve had to recognize our organization as the “business” it has become and are now incorporated. No matter how we’ve changed over the years, however, we remain just a big family always ready to welcome new members.
Past Shows
1976- Bessie the Bandits Beautiful Baby and Intermission Entertainment
1977- Bad Day at Peso Flats and Olio
1978- Whodunit and Sweet Mysteries
1979- A Fate Worse Than Death and The Olio
1980- Hotel Lobby and The Olio
1981-The Brothers O'Toole and Don't Fiddle with my Roof
1982- The Drunkard (A musical)
1983- The Fireman's Flame and Steppin' Out
1984- Deadwood Dick and In Times Like These
1985- Lost in Space and The Mortgage is Due and Get Happy
1986- The Labors of Love and Goin Places
1987- Never Trust a City Slicker and Poppin' The Stoppers
1988- A Golden Fleecing and Clownin' Around
1989- The Purloid Pearls and Making' Whopee
1990- The Ratcathers Daughter and Seein' Stars
1991- The Shame of Tombstone and Tyin' Knots
1992- Hastle in the Castle and Cruisin' the Calendar
1993- Exposed in the Klondike and Colorin' Life
1994- Nurses Foiled Again and Makin' Believe
1995- Trapped in a Villain's Web and Changin' Channels
1996- Heaven Help the Po'taters and Back to Broadway
1997- The Fiendish Firebug Strikes Again and Celebratin' Cinema
1998- Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch and Nite Clubbin'
1999- Trainride to Destiny and the 90's a Dazzling Decade
2000- Villainy in the Vineyard and Seein' Silver
2001- A Wealth Among the Weeds and 2001 A Place Odyssey
2002- The Pony Express and Something's Brewin'
2003- My Son is Crazy but Promising and Dreamin' Big
2004- Gold Rush in Cripple Creek and Movin' On
2005- Cheat Me in St. Louis and Diamonds and Pearls
2006- Trouble in Tenstrike and Around the World in 80 Minutes
2007- It's Family Business and Havin' a Ball
2008- Gruel in the Sun and Signs of the Show-Diac
2009- Marry Me, Magdelena and Reel to Reel
2010- The Bounty of Barbados and Lovin' Every Minute of It
2011- Two Gun Terror and As Scene on TV
2012- One Take is Enough and Crazy, Groovy, Fun Times
2013- Scandalous Circus Shenanigans and Here, There & Everywhere
2014- Krazy in Kalamazoo and Group Hugs
2015- Wilcat Katie Brown and The Magical 40
2016- Treasure of Ocracoke and Lost and Found
2017- Money isn't Everything and The Thing Is...
2018- Your Mine is Mine and Different Strokes for Different Folks
2019- It's all Relative and Urban Legends
2020- Vengeance in Virginia City and Got Up and Went
2022-
2023-
mission statement
The purpose of the SJSEA Melodrama Troupe, Inc. is to promote good fellowship,
build community spirit and have fun for all participants.
build community spirit and have fun for all participants.