The Amazing American Melodrama ushers in the spring season of Santa Monica Playhouse's "Family Theatre Musical Matinee Series." A new show, Melodrama follows the adventures of Sheriff Charles P. Longwood, the legendary 1890's sheriff who preferred to keep law and order with words rather than a gun, as he returns to life in 1999 to come to the aide of a single mother in her fight against big business, discrimination and development pollution.

All Family Theatre productions are interactive and audiences are urged to cheer the hero, boo the villain, and root for the heroine.

Based on a short story by Emery Bernauer, written and directed by Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie with lyrics and music by Rudie, the play features James Cooper, Rachel Galper, Leah Mondry, Cydne Moore, Robin Morales, Irene Tassiopoulos and Suzanne Weekes, among others. John Waroff plays the no-good villain Leonard Q. Biggerfeller.

Opening date is April 10. Performances are Sat. & Sun. at 12.30 and 3 PM, through June 27. All tickets are $8, with birthday arrangements available for all shows. Santa Moniuca Playhouse is at 1211 4th St. Call (310) 394-9779 ext.2 for information.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent