The Palmer Lake Arts Council premiers an original one-act melodrama Friday, October 6, 7:00 p.m., on the stage of the historic Palmer Lake Town Hall with repeat performances Sunday, October 8 at 2:00 and at 6:00 p.m. Romance at the Chautauqua is an original play written by Richard Sebastian-Coleman and directed by Gerrie Walker- Champe.

Set in 1901, the light-hearted melodrama features a cast of local actors portraying real-life characters Ada Thompson, daughter of the town’s founder, Dr. William Finley Thompson; Lucretia Vaile, long-time summer resident who helped establish Palmer Lake’s famous Chautauqua; and the town’s namesake, General William Palmer, who swoops in just in time to give the play a very happy ending.

Fictitious characters thicken the plot. There’s a truly villainous villain, Rob R. Baron and his accomplice Dinah Mite; and what would a melodrama be without a hero? Ours is handsome, virtuous Johnny Spudmuffin.

Save the date for this fun production featuring local historic characters from 1901 when Palmer Lake’s Chautauqua Assembly was the place to be in Colorado in the summer.

Romance at the Chautauqua is appropriate for all audiences. Ticket information at https://plartscouncil.org/. These pumpkin streusel muffins are a great accompaniment to any meal—or try them for breakfast, dessert or a snack. The pumpkin flavor is complemented by a sweet brown sugar topping.