Melodrama means – “a type of drama in which the stereotypical good vs evil characters are faced with exaggerated conflicts that appeal to the emotions of the audience”. Two Wells Melodrama Group have this down pat.
The Audience is strongly encouraged to cheer the heroes and boo the villains right from the start. These seasoned performers thrive on audience interaction and the more comments and heckles they get the funnier the results. During the performance that was reviewed, a scene where three waitresses were trying to decide which of them would end up with the two gentlemen, an audience member suggested trying Rock, Paper, Scissors which stopped the show.
Dodgy Dealings at Dillon’s is set in the 1920’s in a city not unlike Chicago where we meet two brothers who have refurbished their family Speakeasy. Lucky Dillon played by Philip Moore is the brains of the duo and Babyface Dillon played by Lance Grant is the younger brother and screw-up of the family. Shirley played by Alex Chapman is the love interest of Babyface and is your typical blonde bombshell with not much in the brains department. Gladys and Betty played by Erna Collins and Janene Lynn respectively are two local ladies seeking a man. Elliott and Walter played by Nick Algar and Russell Ford respectively are the two gentlemen that the girls set their sights on. Roxie played by Kerry Heym initially appears as the love of “Big Bugsy”, but a woman has the right to change their mind – Right?
Giovanni Cavallaro (Johnny), Alessandro Renaglia & Paul Schmelzkopf are in order Big Bugsy Siegel, Frank & Joe and are the villains you happily boo every time they step foot on stage. Theresa Moore, Emma Sharpe, and Anne Arbon are Daisy, Delvene and Delila – the three waitresses seeking to spoil the fun for Gladys and Betty. Finally, to round out the cast you have John
McInerney as Clarrie and Kay Boon as Clarissa the two bar tenders and timekeeper of the performance. Kay’s penguin like antics are exceedingly funny despite not a word being uttered for the entire performance. As in many productions, crew often double as ensemble members and there were the occasional sightings of one reluctant stage manager.
The show is always an original script and this year it was co-written by Janene Lynn, Anne Arbon and Kay Boon. Music and songs are sourced to compliment the scenes and two standouts this year were the female cast’s rendition of “It’s Raining Men” and Big Bugsy’s version of “Bad To The Bone” both of which had the audience singing along.
Performances are accompanied by a fabulous meal which is always themed to compliment the performance. This year it is Lucky’s Minestrone Soup, Babyface’s Roast Lamb with vegetables and Shirley’s sweet delights Brownie, Liqueur and Brandy Snap Cigar. Accolades again to the amazing catering staff who put this together but also to the young servers who ensured meals were delivered to the tables in an exceptionally ordered and timely manner. There are very few places you can go to be entertained by unpaid performers AND enjoy a 3-course meal at the same time.
Two Wells Melodrama is Community Theatre at its absolute finest. Funds raised throughout the season are always invested back into the community and this year will be no exception with no less than 13 community groups being listed as the recipients. In addition, the proceeds from the table raffle that is run during every performance will go to the Two Wells Community Band in 2023.
There are limited tickets available over the 5 performances on Friday 12th at 7:30pm, Saturday 20th at 7:30pm, Sunday 21st at 1:00pm, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th at 7:30pm. Call 08 8520 2778 to book your tickets.
