Friday night. Copperopolis. What to do? An often asked question that generally ends with.. The Pub or the Old Corner Saloon.

This time though I had the pleasure, the honor really, to film the annual Melodrama put on by the Copperopolis Firefighter’s Association.

The opening act was indeed a shock as I had a chance to see some people in ways I have never seen them before. I will probably look at them a little different from now on.

Colonel Cantrell’s (Guy Andress) booming voice echoed through the Armory as he set the pace for the play. He left no doubt in your mind as to what he was all about. He had the audience interacting with him from the start.

Penelope (Stacy Nolan) played the Southern Belle to perfection. ( I know, this was set in Copperopolis, not the south, but she looked and played the part of a Southern Belle so well).

Miss Goodenright (Charity Maness) gave true meaning to the words “Eye Candy”. Charity played the part deliciously and had many members in the audience anxiously awaiting her next entrance.

When Winston, the Butler (Tim Owens) made his entrance I almost dropped the camera. Entertaining, surprising, convincing are all words I would use to describe his performance. He was so convincing and played his part so well I am going to talk to his Daddy. (Great job Tim).

Reginald, the villain (Nick Maness). Made it obvious from the start that he was not a nice guy. His elocution was flawless. You knew immediately that this guy was going to do some dastardly deeds.

It was midway through the play when we finally met the Doctor (John Maness). His interaction with the other actors was a sight to see. Particularly with Aunt Penny. His facial expressions with Winston was better then any words he might have said.

Ah, the glorious moment. I have watched the film several times in the editing process and still don’t know if that was a contrived scene or a true glitch in the production but the audience loved it and Nick did it so well.