Melodrama highlights Tavern Day celebration
Some people say the good old days are over.
Don't believe it.
You can celebrate "Life in the 1890s" at Glen Ellyn Historical Society's Tavern Days from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Stacy's Corners, Main Street and Geneva Road, Glen Ellyn.
There'll be fresh fruit pies and pastries to buy from the historical society's famous bakers, skills such as rope-making and candle-dipping to learn, and the debut of interactive melodrama titled "Oh, My Goodness!" or "A Villain's Work in Vein!"
Written by New York performer and Glen Ellyn native Joel Jeske, the melodrama is a successor to the Medicine Man show Jeske wrote for last year's event.
This year the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., will be transformed into the Prairie Flower Opera House, the home base for the Sweet Prairie Amateur Theatrical and Elocution Society. The society takes the stage for 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. shows.
Jeske promises 45 minutes of nonstop, harrowing emotion that involves the audience at every turn.
"They're encouraged to cheer, boo and applaud at various points," he said. "The point of melodrama is to be fast, funny, interactive and under an hour."
Playing host at the opera house and introducing the characters will be Joel's brother, Jim Jeske, who is coming in from San Francisco to repeat the role of the Medicine Man, Dr. Horatio Hackencoffin, that he played in last year's show.
"It's going to be an excellent example of live entertainment the way it used to be," said Jim Jeske, an amateur performer and children's librarian. "I think small children will have as much fun as adults."
The audience will meet the villain, Craven Nefarious, and help the heroine, Goodness Hopencharity, decide who to marry.
"It's different from most melodramas in that the ending is an unpredictable one. No one is who they seem," said Ruth Wright, who is directing the cast of homegrown talent.
"There's nine members, a horse and a corpse," Wright said.
Tickets to the melodrama are $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Admission to Tavern Day is free.
The event offers activities for adults and kids, said Suzanne Carty, co-coordinator of Tavern Day.
Youngsters can try out old-fashioned games and toys, and learn some new skills.
"The rope-making has gone over well," said Carty, adding that kids can take rope they make home.
They also may make a banjo, see real live goats and hear stories by Uncle Jake.
Candle-dipping is new this year, and visitors can try their hand at log-sawing.
Crafters will be demonstrating knitting, quilting and other fiber arts.
Visitors also will have their last chance of the season to buy homemade pies, bread and cookies at the Apple Festival. The historical society bakers are featuring fruit pies this year, Carty said.
"They're famous for their pies," she said.
Visitors also may tour Stacy's Tavern, listen to banjo music and take advantage of photo opportunities.
Tavern Day
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; melodrama at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Where: Glen Ellyn History Park, Main Street and Geneva Road, and Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St.
Cost: Free admission; melodrama tickets, $8 adults, $4 children 12 and under
Where to buy tickets: McChesney & Miller Grocery Store, The Book Store in Glen Ellyn
Details: (630) 858-8696