07/18/2026
🎭🚨🍉TODAY ONLY!
The Arbuckle Melon-Drama
Street Performance & Gun Fight
Presented by the Arbuckle Revitalization Committee
5:00 PM 7/18/26 at Hall & 5th St. Arbuckle
Journey back to 1876 for an all-new, audience-interactive melodrama, as prize-winning watermelon grower, Mable McGillicuddy, sets her sites on a blue ribbon from the California State fair. She is on the verge of her biggest victory yet. Meanwhile, College City loyalist George McEvers has grown weary of watching Arbuckle claim all the glory. Determined to restore a little pride to his hometown, George and his bumbling cousin, Bart, set a ridiculous plan into motion that threatens Mable’s championship dreams and Arbuckle’s honor.
Can Melon Matron Mable, her hawk-eyed W***y, and the sharp-shooting Sheriff stop the ragtag Rind Runner Duo before it’s too late?
Written especially for Arbuckle’s 150th Anniversary celebration by College City’s own performing arts educator Melissa Baikie-Rick, The Arbuckle Melon-Drama celebrates our agricultural roots, neighboring communities, and the enduring pioneer spirit that shaped the region, all with a big ol’ slice of laughter.
Inspired by the classic American melodrama tradition, YOU are part of the show! Cheer the heroes, boo the villains, hiss at every dastardly deed, gasp at every twist, laugh at the antics, and help save the day!
Featuring
James Caballero as Ol’ Prospector W***y, Mable’s loyal fieldhand, an old prospector whose warnings are seldom taken seriously.
Aaron Baikie-Rick as George McEvers, proud College City loyalist and leader of the Ridiculous Rind Runner Duo.
Logan Baikie-Rick as Bart, George McEvers’ well-meaning cousin and toady, always ready to help, whether it helps or not.
Rimon Caballero as Sheriff Sheppard, the young, sharp-shooting lawman aiming for justice.
Melissa Baikie-Rick as Mable McGillicuddy, Arbuckle’s prize-winning melon grower.
Production Team
Written & Directed by: Melissa Baikie-Rick
Produced by: Light in the Sky Music with Melissa
Props Assistant & Sound Effects: Sharon Callaway
Props Support: Woodland Opera House
Historical Note:
The Arbuckle Melon-Drama is an original work of fiction inspired by the agricultural heritage, pioneer families, neighboring communities, and enduring small-town spirit of the Arbuckle and College City area. While historical settings and themes influenced the story, the characters, dialogue, and events are fictional.
Audience Advisory:
This production includes simulated gunshot sound effects and the theatrical use of prop fi****ms, including one realistic-looking prop pistol carried by the Sheriff character and additional stylized wooden toy-style prop pistols. No functional fi****ms or live ammunition are used in this production. The sound effects are intended to enhance the theatrical experience and may be startling to some audience members.
