Performances of Trudy and the Beast, a parody of Beauty and the Beast, run through Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano. Showtimes for the local theater group’s latest production are Wednesday through Friday at 7 p.m., every Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and every Sunday at 6 p.m.
The spoof is described as breathing “fresh life” into the “tale as old as time” with some sci-fi twists, according to press materials. The story’s plot begins with mysterious sightings of a strange half-man, half-fish creature, who is spotted near the lagoon on the 13th hole of the Black Lake Golf Course in Nipomo.
Trudy, described as an avid golfer in press materials, initially dismisses rumors of the creature, calling it an urban legend. Her stance changes when the creature “takes a particular interest” in Trudy, to the surprise and horror of the community. Plot absurdities aside, attendees of the show can look forward to a plethora of song parodies and pop culture references laced throughout the production.
Thirty minutes before each performance of Trudy and the Beast, the Great American Melodrama’s popular snack bar opens for attendees to enjoy, and it reopens during each of the show’s intermission breaks.
Visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets to Trudy and the Beast or more info on the Great American Melodrama and its rotating lineup of shows. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the theater’s box office, which is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., and every Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Other upcoming productions in the Great American Melodrama’s 2023 season include The Holiday Extravaganza, scheduled to open on Thursday, Nov. 17, and run through Sunday, Dec. 31.
Call (805) 489-2499 for additional details. The Great American Melodrama is located at 1863 Front St., Oceano.
This article appears in Oct 19-29, 2023.