Virgin Valley Theatre Group Debuts Musical Melodrama

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The Virgin Valley Theater Group (VVTG) debuted an original musical melodrama on Friday evening, Oct. 8 at the Mesquite Community Theater. The play will have a run of performance dates throughout the month of October.

The performance of “ Drama at the Diner, or How the Rebel Found His Cause” had people dancing in the aisles to the old-time rock and roll music in between their bouts of laughter at the zany melodramatic characters hanging out at the Dry as a Bone Diner in Lizard, Nevada, which is purportedly located quite close to Bunkerville.

The original melodrama was written especially for the Virgin Valley Theater Group by Susan Kjellsen and Nancy Arnold. The two talented ladies have a background of writing melodramas together. Each of them is fairly new to Mesquite and have found a home at the VVTG.

Although their work is registered intellectual property, they do not charge the VVTG for its use. “We do this because we love it,” said Arnold, who also directed the production. “We donate our scripts because we want the VVTG to thrive. Their expenses like rent continued all the while they were closed down during the pandemic.”

It was impossible to pick just one actor that carried the show. It was a true ensemble effort And all did an excellent job of portraying their characters.

The audience did not need the boo and hiss signs when it came to the production’s villain. They were fully engaged with disliking the villain and rooting for the hero all on their own.

The clever lines in the scripts were delivered flawlessly, even though it was opening night.
The singing group featured in the play, calling themselves “The QTips,” sounded great. Earth Angel was a favorite and significant since there were two spirited angels hanging out at the Diner played by Kat Cole & Chad Calmelat.

There was also a lively rendition of “The Stroll” performed at the Sock Hop held at the Diner.
The devious villain played by Glen Bjornson who sported the obligatory mustache, created the conflict in the drama.

Love was also in the air between Peggy Sue, played by Marie Palmer, and Johnny B. Goode, played by Robert Craig. Love was coyly blossoming the dowdy Poppy Cox (Joy Craig) and nerdy Miles Ahead (John Sadler)

If you go. be on the lookout for the Wonky Donkey, and for how did the Qtips got their name.

The audience was treated to intermission entertainment by the Lifelong Dancers and was able to engage in the hand jive and YMCA. It was two hours of pure funny, family entertainment. The laughter was heartfelt throughout the theater. The audience left with a smile on their faces and a lift in spirits.
VVTG President Pam Sadler reminded everyone volunteers and supporters are needed. These productions could not happen without all the volunteer crew, from set designers and make-up artist to the ushers in the theater.

“Drama at the Diner” will be performed on October, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7 pm. Matinee performances will be held on Oct. 10 and 17 at 2 pm.

Tickets may be purchased at the door. Do not miss the chance for an evening filled with laughter. Be there or be square!