Melodrama set to music

Talk about it

Who killed Barbara Shoppe? That’s the question to be resolved when Prairie Rose Chorus presents a melodrama, complete with music and comedy.

“Who Killed Barbara Shoppe?” will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Dickinson State University Beck Auditorium.

“We do a show every year, but this is the first time we’ve done anything like this,” said chorus Director Robyn

Nadvornik.

It’s a simple melodrama, laced with comedy, she said.

“Barbara Shoppe was an entertainer in her hey day, and she invites her kooky relatives and friends to join her at her home and they’re quite a bunch, I’ll tell you,” she said. “It doesn’t seem too many like each other.”

“She wants to leave her priceless legacy to one of them,” added melodrama Director Connie Christensen.

The mystery gets resolved by the end of the melodrama, with barbershop numbers by the chorus and quartets.

“This is a new experience because the ladies haven’t done a melodrama before,” said Christensen. “It’s amazing how they’ve risen to the occasion.”

“It’s been a lot of fun,” said Nadvornik. “It’s been a challenge because normally in shows all we do is sing, so the members have to dig down and try to pull themselves outside their box — it’s been interesting.”

Costuming is left to the imagination of the singer/actors. They will dress according to what their character may be, said Nadvornik.

“We have a detective and her three assistants — Peek, Poke and Pry — they’re afraid of everything,” she added.

Barbara Shoppe is played by Susy Krivoruchka, Killdeer, who appeared in theater performances in Harvey.

“It’s a cute little play — the gals are having a good time with it,” she said. “The quartets are doing a great job. ‘Renaissance Woman’ is just a hoot. Come and be entertained.”

The chorus includes 18 vocalists, who have been rehearsing since spring. Prairie Rose is a women’s barbershop chorus affiliated with Sweet Adalines.

“This is our big fundraiser,” said Nadvornik. “We use the funds for competitions in the spring. Along with the show, we’ll have a silent auction of assorted gift baskets.”

“It’s been an incredibly fun time,” said Christensen. “I’m hoping we can do something more another time because the ladies have responded so well.”

“It’s a family show — if you’re looking for a night out of fun and entertainment, that’s what we’re there for,” added

Nadvornik.

Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Tags: prairie rose chorus, lifestyle, dickinson