What is Melodrama?
What is Melodrama? · Seating Chart · Piano, Popcorn & Sing-Alongs
FAQ's · Reviews · Picture Gallery
First and foremost - Melodrama is FUN!
Melodrama is a genre of theatre that was popular during the late 1800's until motion pictures became common - around 1910. Melodramas are characterized by exaggerated movement and strong on-stage emotions. Characters usually include the villain, the hero and the heroine with performances usually punctuated by boos, hisses and cheers from the audience. Uptempo dialogue and precisely choreographed stage movements combine to keep the action fast and the pace peppy while original piano music draws the audience into each scene.
At the Diamond Circle, two melodrama
productions are presented each season and performances alternate
nightly, so you can come back again and again. Melodramas dominated the
American theatre from 1860 to 1910, and many a frontier town like
Durango had a stage where the miners and dance hall gals came to hoot
and holler. Here at the Strater Hotel, the Diamond Circle's
original brand of authentic melodrama has been thrilling audiences each
season since 1962. Everyone joins in the fun by cheering the
hero, booing the villain, and laughing with the comics.
The
historic Strater Hotel, the Diamond Circle Theatre and the Melodrama
productions all combine for a truly memorable experience. In
today's world of electronic reproductions this is real
entertainment. Red velvet curtains, checkered tablecloths, brass
chandeliers and authentic Victorian costumes create an atmosphere that
is truly unique, and a memory you'll treasure for years to come. Touted
by Time Magazine as "One of the top three Melodramas in the country"
the Diamond Circle Melodrama provides fun for the whole family. Our
melodrama season runs all summer and performances often sell out.
One important hint: purchase your tickets early so you won't be
left out especially for this our final season. Plan to attend both shows which alternate nightly in July and August.