Synopsis: Takes place in the aftermath following the Civil war, at the O'Leary plantation Toora Loora Loo. Seamus O' Leary has amnesia and can't remember where he hid the money from the Yankee's. As a result, the O'Leary family is in dire straights. Villain Dredd Cuttler wants respectability and tries to trick the daughter, Miss Violet O'Leary into marrying him. Hero Ashley Braveheart, saves the day by finding the hidden money. Many other colorful characters fill in the story.

Run Time: Approx. 45-60 Minutes, can be used as a Dinner Theatre Melodrama
Cast - 10-15

                                 Preview of Melodrama   ACT I

SCENE ONE    ( To the side of the stage, Dredd Cuttler is sitting at a table, audience boos, Dredd stands &  bows, then laughs wickedly) (Weasel enters)

Weasel: You wanted to see me Boss?

Dredd: (smiles and stands) Misssssster Snurdly, Yes... yes come right in.

Weasel: (with surprised look) You feeling okay Boss? You never call me Mr. Snurdly, it's always ..Weasel.

Dredd: (laughs) Yes.. yes I know that.. I used to call you that, back when I didn't have patience or a shred of kindness in my body. But Mr. Snurdly, you are looking at a changed man. I am turning over a new leaf.

Weasel: Yeah? Really Boss? You're changing from a lowdown, scurrilous, evil, cheatin', no good villain?

Dredd: Now don't get carried away.you weasel! (grabs his neck and starts choking him) Do you think I can't change, that I ..can't become likeable and ... nice?

Weasel: (cough, choke) Sure you can Boss... I was only jokin'.. (Choke cough, etc).

Dredd: (releases him) Yes well. old habits die hard. Any way I am turning over a new leaf. (walks around) And why am I turning over a new leaf Mr. Snurdly? Because I want to get married and settle down.(goes close to him and abruptly says) Do you think I'm attractive, Mr. Snurdly?

Weasel: Uh.. Well. Boss, you're not exactly my type. (weak laugh)

Dredd: (Grabs his throat) Not you, you idiot! I mean do you think women find me attractive?

Weasel: Boss.. (choke. cough.). the leaf.. . the leaf, Boss.

Dredd: Oh yes, (stops choking him) Ahem! Now Weasel, this is my plan. (starts to pace) I have a lot of money..but no heirs,  no one to which I can pass down my vast and exorbitant fortune. I want to change that, I want to marry a lady of the old South. A genteel lady that will bring respectability to my.. er..questionable virtues.

Weasel: Hmmm. I see, but Boss where are you gonna find someone dumb enough to marry you?

Dredd: (turns quickly) Why you...come here you ..Weasel!  (reaches for him)

Weasel: Sorry Boss, here allow me..(chokes himself) Who did .you have ...in mind, Boss?

Dredd: Ahhh..who indeed! None other that belle of all southern belles, Miss Violet O'Leary.

Weasel: (stops choking himself) Violet O'Leary?  Why Boss, she hates the ground you walk on. She considers all Northerner's low down Yankee scoundrels. As a true Southerner, she will never, ever consent to marry you. I just can't see her doing it...no never.. huh uh..nope.not gonna happen.

Dredd: (struggles to control himself) Are you quite finished Misssster Snurdly?  (Weasel nods) Good! (picks up a letter) I have an idea how to get her to marry me. I hold the deed on Toora Loora Loo. This letter threatens that I will foreclose, if the taxes are not paid by next week. Her father has amnesia since the war and can't remember where he hid their money, so they have nothing with which to pay the taxes. They are in deep trouble, unless.....

Weasel: Unless what, Boss?

Dredd: Unless Miss Violet O'Leary forgets that I am a scurrilous, low down, no good Yankee who made his fortune off the war, and marries me.

Weasel: But.. but.. how you gonna make that happen Boss?

Dredd: We will simply, shall we say, divert every effort of her friends and family to help. Now this is where you come in Weasel. (Dredd begins pacing as he talks, Weasel takes every step he takes, until he stops suddenly and Weasel bumps into him)You must take this letter and make sure Miss Violet finds it. (turns) She will be in great fear, as she knows they have no money and no way of getting any in time. (turns) Then I'll go over and offer.. a way out. (turns) If they think of anyone to ask for help, you must make sure that help does not come. Do I make myself understood Mr. Snurdly?  (stops and bumps) WEASEL!!

Weasel:  (gets out of his reach) Sorry Boss, sorry. Oh I get it, sort of sabotage every effort they make for help. Yeah, that just might work.

Dredd:  Might? Did you say might, Weasel? My plan will work, and do you know why Weasel? Simply because I am.. a genius!   (wicked laugh)

Weasel: (to audience) Well, so much for the new leaf.                   
 (They Exit)

                                   END OF PREVIEW