Western Melodrama Comes to Arts Center

Shame of Tombstone is coming to Moorpark’s High Street Arts Center stage at 8 p.m.on Aug.30. 

This Old West-themed melodrama, written by Tim Kelley, was originally scripted for Tombstone, Arizona’s 100th anniversary and for the Birdcage Theater.

The production, touted as a classic melodrama archetype, is about a villain named Judge Mortimer Harshly, and his henchwoman, Peachy Jamm, who conspire to blackmail the town’s philanthropic socialite, Amanda Goodsort over a secret she’s hiding. In the midst of their conspiracy, the Judge overhears a plan by the town’s oldest member, Old Timer and his sidekick, (named Side Kick), to will Amanda a stage and freight franchise that’s worth a fortune.

Director Rick Pratt has embellished the production with music and vaudevillian skits. There will also be theatrical surprises along the way.

The cast includes Sandy Pratt, Gerald Vandiver, and Jeff Wallach. Also joining the cast are veteran Moorpark Melodrama actors Chris Carnicelli and Kathi Gravino.

The play runs through Sept. 22. For tickets and information, call the High Street Arts Center at (805) 529-8700. The High Street Arts Center is located at 45 E. High Street in Moorpark.