The Great American Melodrama’s 2024 Holiday Extravaganza begins as all Melodrama shows do: with an upbeat sing-a-along to get everyone in the mood. This year’s cheery selection, “Jingle Bell Rock,” is an indication of the fun that’s ahead for your next two-and-a-half hours.
Even the first of the Melodrama’s traditional three acts, in this case Charles Dickens’ haunting morality tale A Christmas Carol, is more cheerful than the appearance of its four spooky (but very well-dressed) ghosts might suggest.
This is, without a doubt, thanks to the wonderful Billy Breed as the ol’ miser himself (nobody can express the irony in the words “I’m a martyr to my own generosity” like he can).
Breed, with his enduring and endearing charm, has become the go-to Scrooge for Central Coast audiences—not because he can scowl with the best of them, but because his joyful countenance (once his character realizes the joy of the season) is infectious. He’s an actor’s actor—and a delight for audience members who, if they aren’t already infected, will leave this first act ready to capture all the holiday spirit they can grab.
And there’s plenty of spirit(s) to go around in the second act, when the Rachel Tietz-directed fairytale operetta Sleeping Beauty gives the talented Melodrama cast members a chance to hit some pretty high notes (aided by music director Helen Gregory) and show off some pretty comical outfits (thanks to costume designer Jamie Douglas and wig designer Renee Van Niel).
The fairy tale plot is augmented, shall we say, with some pretty funny business as well (the princely Prince’s kiss that awakens the primly sleeping Princess is almost lost in all the frivolity, but Tommy Krob and Natalie Mara are perfectly matched royalty and perfectly wonderful singers).
Then it’s time for the third act Warm Holiday Wishes vaudeville revue, which is where the seasonal songs and jokes about snow-less winter holidays in California kick in.
Starting with a Central Coast version of “My Favorite Things” (referencing among other local spots Cambria, Morro Bay and the Madonna Inn), to “Hanukkah in Santa Monica,” to a catchy calypso beach boys’ version of “Ho Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum,” you’ll feel ready for a balmy SLO holiday.
While some serious tap-dancing and a serious and lovely version of “O Holy Night” round out the evening, no Melodrama Holiday Extravaganza is complete without a sparkling carol by the Oceano Waterglass Orchestra and, of course, a rousing rendition of the Reindeer Rap.
You won’t be disappointed on either count, and you are sure to leave satisfied that the fun and joy and spirit of the holidays are just around the corner.
The 2024 Holiday Extravaganza continues at The Great American Melodrama in Oceano until December 31.