Celebrating 20 Seasons of Hissing the Villain

It began at the Red River Inn's Mine Shaft Theater in 1983 with a company of college actors who got homesick and went back to Texas before the season ended.

The next year a different college theatre company, this time closer to home - Albuquerque - stayed longer, but got a little crazy before the summer ended. (Actors: go figure!)

A stint with a director from the famous Knott's Berry Farm saw a melodrama production using a combination of students and local thespians. Things went a bit smoother but still...

Finally the Densow family, owners of the Red River Inn, decided to write, direct and act in their own productions, using only locals as cast members. At last, the ingredients fell together and have been blending nicely for the past 20 years. Melodrama at the Mine Shaft Theater was underway.

This year's Melodrama is entitled: A Cowboy Saves the Day (or A Rootin' Tootin' Wild West Show).

Beginning the end of June and running through Labor Day, the delightful comedy will be presented at the Mine Shaft Theater in the Red River Inn, on Tuesday and Friday, with the house lights dimming at 7:30 PM. Refreshments are available at intermission.

As is the case with any self-respecting "melerdramma," audience members are encouraged to cheer for the hero, sigh for the heroine, and boo or hiss the villain, depending on whether the situation calls for a boo or a hiss. (Catcalls are discouraged since they tend to attract cats, dogs and other domestic and non-domestic animals.)

"This year's show is a repeat of one of our best shows from the past," according to director Linda (Densow) Saint, who also co-wrote the show with her sister, Kathi Arnold. "We decided to revive it for our anniversary year. It's funny, tender and full of suspense. Besides, we really like it."

The theater seats 150 folks. Make reservations early by calling 754-2930. Also ask about the schedule of America's favorite singing cowboy, Michael Martin Murphy, who will make several appearances during the summer.

Happy Anniversary. (Yea! Hooray! and distant sound of cheering!)