It's that time of year again — time to present the 2016 Richmond Civic Theatre Melodrama! This year's world-premier melodrama, written by local playwright, Donald Mellen, is entitled, "The Clock Runs Out for Isabelle Tyme, or Ask Not for Whom the Belle Strolls."

Melodrama is defined by Webster's Dictionary:

• : drama in which many exciting events happen and the characters have very strong or exaggerated emotions
• : a situation or series of events in which people have very strong or exaggerated emotions

Melodrama features iconic characters such as a hero, a heroine and a villain and is a traditional form of play that harkens back to the traveling tent shows that once performed their shows during the 19th century.

"The Clock Runs Out for Isabelle Tyme," has been in rehearsal for several weeks now and the directors, Donald Mellen and Jane Turner (also a veteran of Richmond's theatre scene) have been planning the next steps. These steps include building a stage and proscenium from scratch, preparing lighting, fitting costumes, designing and painting scenery, gathering props, finalizing marketing and printed program, lining up a truck for moving all the materials needed and loading these materials (along with all the tools needed) into the museum space. All of these items are completed in five days. It's a tremendous undertaking—which is hard to understand until you've been a part of it.

The first time I saw a melodrama was here in Richmond. These shows were performed in a tent in downtown Richmond as part of the tremendously successful, and well-attended Rose Festival. Some of my favorite memories are of the excitement leading up to those performances. You can read more about the Rose Festival here: http://www.gowaynecounty.com/blog/looking-back-mem... During these times, so many years ago, I never imagined that I'd be part of such a unique and fun art form.

Don's original plays are hilarious in a way that's entertaining for all ages. Audience members are encouraged to throw popcorn and "boo" the villain, cheer the hero and sympathize with the young heroine. If you haven't seen one of these performances, you're in for a unique evening.

In the coming weeks leading up to the performances, I'll be updating readers on the progress of the build with plenty of photos of the process. For now, here's the specifics on showtimes and location:

Performances: Friday, September 9 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, September 10 at 2pm, and Sunday, September 11 at 2pm. The performances are done in conjunction with Wayne County Historical Museum's Heritage Days (open Saturday–Sunday September 10 & 11). To learn more about the museum and Heritage Days visit: http://www.waynecountyhistoricalmuseum.org

Proceeds from these annual performances benefit Richmond Civic Theatre, now in it's 76th consecutive season.To learn more about Richmond Civic Theatre, visit: http://www.gorct.org.