The Durango Melodrama and Vaudeville at the Henry Strater Theatre!

Located at the historic Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado, this great little theatre has been putting on shows and Melodrama since the early 1960’s when it housed the Diamond Circle Melodrama. Now, the Durango Melodrama has taken its place and proudly presents this summer’s productions of “The Pursuit of Happiness” by, Lawrence and Armina Marshall Langner and "After Dark" by Dion Boucicault, Adaptation by John T. Baker.

As always, the show will be followed by a hilarious set of Vaudeville routines that are sure to end the night with belly laughs and songs. You can hiss the Villain, cheer the Hero, well you know the rest! This beautiful theatre is just the right setting for an affordable night of family fun and camaraderie.

The Pursuit of Happiness, by Lawrence and Armina Marshall Langner.
This is a tale set during the American Revolution, of a charming Hessian soldier who wants to surrender to Americans. After all, he loves the idea of this new country where it is written in the constitution that they are dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal and who also wants to spend their time “running after happiness”. What could be better? Perhaps the innkeeper’s daughter? You’ll love this fun and patriotic play with just the right amount of the inevitable complications of the period.

After Dark, by Dion Boucicault, Adaptation by John T. Baker.
Set in 19th century London, "After Dark" is the customary convoluted combination of mistaken identities, lost inheritances and skullduggery that characterizes classic melodrama. Watch the spectacular and highly anticipated arrival of the speeding train as it races toward its witless victim. There is a hero, a beautiful heroine and of course a conniving villain. What will happen, and how will it all end? There is only one way to find out. Give us a call and join the fun.