If you do not have a good time at Mosley Street Melodrama, we cannot be friends. That’s final. It’s not even up for discussion. You should have thought long and hard about it before you decided not to have a sense of humor.

Right at the top of my list of ICT favorites is Wichita’s only audience participation theatre – Mosley Street Melodrama. This is the best place in town to go for the biggest bang for your buck when seeking food, fun and entertainment. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want something different than your standard dinner and movie date night, this is a place that won’t let you down and will give you a memorable experience.

What is it? What should you expect? Why is it different than other theatres?

Start your Mosley Street Melodrama experience with a buffet dinner catered by Pig In, Pig Out BBQ (definitely one of my top picks for barbecue food, but even better with a great show to go along with it!). Dinner and show tickets will run you $26. Most of the year, if you choose to pass on the meal (which is a grave mistake, friend), you can purchase a show-only ticket for $16.00.

However, December is not “most of the year.” The Christmas season brings high demand for comedy and alcoholic beverages. Mosley Street Melodrama runs shows 7 days a week during the holiday season to accommodate many holiday gatherings and celebrations. During this time, there are no “show-only” tickets. So grab your seat, order a drink, and run through the buffet line. And make reservations ASAP – many shows are already sold out.

Shortly before show time, melodrama actors will recognize people celebrating special occasions. If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, etc., make sure to mention it when you are purchasing tickets. You’ll want a souvenir to commemorate the occasion. During this time, you will also be introduced to the specialty “show drinks” that reflect the theme of the show. I always like to give these a try. Make sure you have your server bring you one… or two… or seven or eight. I have yet to be let down by the tasty, budget-friendly, show-themed cocktails.

When the actors take the stage, the real fun begins. You don’t get to sit back and take it easy. This show involves audience participation. You’ll “oooohh, aaaahhh” for the heroine, cheer the hero, and “boo hiss” the villain. If there’s a vamp, you’ll get to “hubba, hubba” cat call. Don’t worry, no need to take notes. You will be given directions. But if you do something completely wrong and call attention to yourself, you may be mocked. And don’t be surprised if you become a bigger part of the production (especially if you’re lucky enough to get seated right up on the front row). You will laugh all night. And if you’re like me, you’ll possibly snort or shoot alcoholic beverages from your mouth or nose a time or two, and cry as you laugh hysterically.

After the melodrama, there will be a short intermission. Order another drink; it only makes it better. Then, the cast will come back for the second part of the show, a musical comedy revue. You’ll see skits, songs, and dances. If you’re lucky, EXTREMELY lucky, you’ll get a serenade from my personal favorite Mosley Street Melodrama performer Scott Noah. If the man gets within five feet of me I’ll giggle like a little girl and turn bright red. Comic genius, folks. If you haven’t seen Scott Noah as Richard Simmons, you haven’t lived.

Currently showing at Mosley Street Melodrama is “The Tinsel Tale of Tori,” followed by the “Getting in the Mood for Christmas” musical comedy revue. Our lovely heroine Tori Leffew is competing to be head cheerleader and has her eyes set on the hunky Danny Sucko. As tradition calls, the captain of the chess team -Danny – is set to ask the head cheerleader to the holiday dance. Now there’s some extra motivation! Only one thing can get in her way: fellow cheerleader Tonya Jean Biggis. Tonya will stop at no cost to achieve cheerleading greatness and the chance to go to the dance with her dreamy crush Danny. Will Tonya’s plot to foil Tori’s chances of winning the competition (and Danny’s heart) succeed? Or will our heroine overcome?

Don’t forget to grab yourself a show drink during intermission. The “Christmas Cheer” will prepare you to “Get in the Mood for Christmas” as the cast returns for the musical comedy revue. You’ll enjoy hearing 10 things people say during the holidays that sound dirty, but really aren’t. Sit back as the performers sing some of your favorite holiday classics. I was a big fan of the men quintet’s “12 Days of Christmas!” But, hands down, my favorite… the “12 Drunken Days of Christmas.” Any description I give you will not do this performance justice. I can only say: well done, Barb Shoenhofer, well done. And to you, reader, make your reservations now and make the holiday season that much more enjoyable.

The talented cast includes Emma Craig, Cindy Summers, Barb Shoenhofer, Scott Noah, Monte Wheeler, and Steve Hitchcock with assistance from Marty Gilbert and Ted Dvorak. Tom Frye wrote and directed the melodrama and Angela Steiner serves as musical director.

“The Tinsel Tale of Tori” opened on November 12 and runs through December 30. The show is currently running 7 days a week (except for Christmas Eve and Day). Dinner and show tickets are $26 with discounts available for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over. Call (316) 263-0222 for reservations and show times. Located at 234 N. Mosley in Old Town, the theatre is easy to access with parking to the garage on the west side of the street or the lot to the south.

My personal favorite memories of Mosley Street Melodrama involve seeing my childhood friend Stephen Barker performing, being embarrassed by performer serenades, and, most recently, watching Scott Noah sing “Santa Baby” to my boyfriend. Do you have a favorite memory or experience from Mosley Street Melodrama? Let us know in the comments.

Related posts:

1. [do] Live it Up in Old Town
2. [do] Seneca Street
3. [watch] “Chicago” at the Crown Uptown
4. [watch] Great Christmas Flicks
5. [go] Main Street in McPherson