Boo! Hiss! ‘Dastardly Deeds’ at Dunbar

The story unfolds in the tiny gold-mining town of Chilcoot Pass and as in any rural hamlet, most of the action and gossip happens in the local saloon. But as the patrons here — along with our hero and his villainous advesaries – are no older than 12, the establishment serves nothing stronger than root beer.

Welcome to Chilcoot Pass, the archtypical setting for Dunbar School’s 20th annual melodrama, “”Dastardly Deeds at Yoursin Mine OR Yukon Take it With You.” The show, May 25-27, is an annual rite of passage for the fifth grade class, a full-scale western-style play with crazy sound effects, lovable and despicable characters, full hair and makeup, traditional sets, and period costumes.

Among the fifth graders in this year’s melodrama are (from left): Christian Calvillo, as Sylvanius Uppercrust; Andrea Molina, as Louella Yoursin; and Naomi Little, as Lotta Piddee.

Audience participation, as in ‘hisses’ and ‘boos’ at timely moments, is very much encouraged.

Kate Kennedy directs the ‘Dastardly Deeds,” one of four rotating plays that have graced the outdoor Haver Stage for the past 20 spring semesters. It was originally written, directed and produced by Squire Friddell and family. A team of school staff and parent volunteers assist in the process.

Performances are May 25, 26 and 27 at 6 p.m. Doors and the concession stand open at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the venue and are $10 for adult, $5 for children, and the ‘family corral’ package ($25 for 2 adults, 2 kids). Seating is picnic style with blankets and low-chairs encouraged.

Dunbar alumni are encouraged to attend and, as always, they will be asked to stand up and what year they were in the play, and what character they were.

In celebration of the 20th production, there will be a BBQ on Saturday, May 26, at 4:30 p.m. The Glen Ellen Fire Department grill up plate dinners for $10 each.