Two Wells Melodrama Group are like nothing you have ever seen before. The joy, enthusiasm and fun that flows off the stage is contagious. They would be the first to admit their shows would probably never make it to Broadway but the fact they are giving people an opportunity and an outlet for their creative endeavours must be lauded from the highest tree tops (hopefully something bigger than One Tree Hill).
For those who don’t know, this company has been around since 1982 and was founded with the aim to raise money for the local community. Over the years, they have donated funds to many community groups and this year is no different with the proceeds of the nightly raffle being donated to the Two Wells Primary School Breakfast Club to ensure every child has food in their stomachs so they can learn. If for no other reason, people should be flocking to these shows to support such a needed cause. There are more reasons of course – for all evening performances the cost of a ticket is $45 and includes a 3 course meal and show. Matinees are $40 along with a 2 course meal and show. Meals are always themed around the show and this year’s offering is Entree – Super Balls (Lamb Kofta with Couscous); Main – Heroic Poached Chicken Breast with mashed potato and veggies; Dessert – Kryptonic Cheesecake with an Iced Vo-Vo Twist and I can categorically say the meal was fantastic. There were a few issues on the Opening Performance with the chook not wanting to jump in the pan but it was sorted without the audience being any the wiser and the veggies may have been a little underdone for some who prefer boiled to steamed. I have no doubt this will be sorted as the season progresses.
Each year the show is created by members generally within the company and in 2024 it has been written by two members in their first efforts. Theresa Moore and Lance Grant have created a witty snapshot of an alternate Two Wells where trouble is afoot, corruption is rife and our Superhero has performance issues. As the name suggests, it is a Melodrama and it is encouraged, nay expected, that the audience will participate which they certainly did right from the first moment that a performer stepped onto the stage. You are certainly allowed to cheer the hero and boo the villain reminiscent of Dick Dastardly and Penelope Pitstop for those that remember Wacky Races.
There were quite a number of firsts in this years production; Theresa and Lance writing the show, Superhero Purple Storm played by Lachlan Plummer is a first timer to the stage, and also Leigh Stretton playing Saxophone/Flute in the Orchestra. Everyone is welcome at Two Wells and the friendships made will last a lifetime. One other notable mention this time not a first but sadly a last. The Amazing Andy Brooker has been running Sound and Lights for the company for many years and has decided to retire after this season. If anyone is interested in taking on the role, please contact TWMG.
The story revolves around Superhero Purple Storm/Steve – Lachlan Plummer who is loosing his powers because he has fallen in love with Charlotte – Emma Sharpe. He is no longer up to fighting crime, thwarting bag snatchers or corralling bank robbers in Two Wells. There are many in the family who have the DNA but not the training required to step into his shoes. These include Jane – Theresa Moore, Alyssa – Alex Bernhart, Rosa – Anne Arbon, and Margaret – Janene Lynn.
Meanwhile Murgatroyd/Carl – Nick Algar is creating havoc in Two Wells with Mayor Graham Peters – Paul Schmelzkopf in his back pocket unbeknownst to the Mayor’s long suffering assistant Julie – Kerry Heym. We find that Murgatroyd has kidnapped Mick – Gio Cavallaro whilst Mick’s determined wife Ferne – Erna Collins will not rest, or leave the Mayor alone until something is done.
Obviously due to the extreme stresses of their professions, both Purple Storm and Murgatroyd have need of Dr Travis – Lance Grant to analyse their issues. Secretary to Dr Travis is Sharon – Kay Boon with the exact right amount of sympathy for the patients!!! Dr Travis’ own sounding board is his son Oliver – Alessandro Renaglia who would love to fill the Superhero role but sadly does not have the DNA required. The entire show is narrated by Jimmy – Philip Moore, our intrepid reporter from Two Wells Tonight.
Unlike many other companies who purchase the rights and pay royalties to perform a musical or a drama, Two Wells write their own dialogue and insert music that works with the theme. This is not always as simple as it sounds and they often have a Plan A, B & C hoping that Plan A works but always ready to adapt depending on whether they can get the rights to a song and if they can actually afford to include it in the show. This year they were fortunate and some of the numbers they were able to include were toe tappers such as Tina Turner’s – We Don’t Need Another Hero and Simply The Best, Fontella Bass – Rescue Me, Twisted Sister’s – We’re Not Gonna Take It, Kiss – I Was Made For Lovin’ You, Split Enz – History Never Repeats, MC Hammer – Can’t Touch This to name a few.
If you can, please support this great community group and make the effort to go out to Two Wells. The drive is scenic, the show is lighthearted, the meal is amazing and the cause is worthwhile. Season runs through until Saturday 25th May.
