One-of-a-kind theater to open in Stevenson

Although there are several popular "melodrama" theaters located throughout the United States, The Golden Garter will be the first to integrate comedy, magic and illusions into the plot of the melodrama show.

"A Magical Melodrama" will open May 23 and will run Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer.

The "melodrama" was once the most popular form of entertainment among pioneers heading west in the late 1800s. Melodrama plays present a simple worldview which feature brave heroes, virtuous heroines and completely vile and evil villains. What makes melodrama fun for modern audiences is the part they get to play in the show.

"We never instruct our audiences to be quiet," said Taylor. "Our audiences are encouraged to 'boo' the villain, 'cheer' the hero, and actually talk back to the actors during the performance. In turn, the actors will often solicit advice from the audience. It's a lot of fun for everyone."

"We specifically chose Stevenson as the place to locate the theater for several reasons," Taylor said. "Years ago, my wife and I stayed overnight here and we fell in love with the area. We realized there was nothing to do at night. So I asked several of our fellow hotel guests if they would attend an evening show if one existed. Everyone answered with an enthusiastic 'yes.' When I learned that the city of Stevenson was also celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008, I felt that the timing was perfect to open this show in the Columbia Gorge."

Taylor noted The Golden Garter will be a place where all ages can come and enjoy an unforgettable theatrical event together.

"Frolicking fun for people from four to a hundred and four, that's our motto."

Taylor is an award-winning performer and stage director who has been producing family-friendly entertainment for the past 40 years. After working in Hollywood for 10 years, he moved to the Pacific Northwest 20 years ago to fulfill his dream of presenting clean, comedy entertainment to audiences of all ages.

The Golden Garter will be Stevenson's first regularly operating theater in over 40 years.

Schedule, ticket and general information can be found at www.GoldenGarter.com