By DARRELL L. BREESE
Alaska Star

In a modern adaptation of the classic Wild West cliffhanger, the Alaska Fine Arts Academy presents the annual Bear Paw Melodrama, “Evil Escapades in Eagle River.”

Will the evil Professor Slippery Slinker corrupt the pure young Denali Melody as he attempts to rob her of the family fortune? Or will the hero arrive in time to save the fair maiden and Eagle River from the clutches of the villain?

Professor Slippery Slinker (Travis Abel) imposes himself on the pure Denali Melody (Marissa Gingery) durng the Bear Paw festival Melodrama, "Evil Escapades in Eagle River." the Alaska Fine Arts Academy will feature six performances of the side-splitting cliffhanger during the festival. Star Photo By DARRELL L. BREESE

For the second year, the fine arts academy presents the melodrama that takes a light-hearted look at life in the early days of Eagle River.

Adapted from the play “Tied to the Tracks,” the performance makes people laugh, cry and maybe even moan, according to director Ellen Reed, as the cast of 17 presents the rip-roaring old-time western melodrama.

“It’s an over-the-top melodrama of tragic proportions,” Reed said. “I promise it will make you leave with a smile on your face.”

The story begins with snake oil salesman Prof. Slinker checking into the Alaska Territory’s finest hotel, the Bear Paw Hotel, operated by the “Forget Me Not of the North,” young Denali Melody.

Infatuated by her good looks and innocence, Prof. Slinker attempts to win the heart of war-hero Gen. Buzzcut Brigg’s daughter. The problem is Denali Melody is Marshal Billy Bold’s gal.

Reed described the story as a tragic love story about the brave stalwart of the North, Marshal Billy Bold and the delicate Denali Melody. Throughout the play, they attempt to resist the evil machinations of Prof. Slinker and the notorious villain Wild Rose Hips.

The performance also features a modern take of the classic silent movies between acts.

“It has all the classic cliffhangers,” Reed said. “Including the damsel in distress tied to the railroad tracks as the train roars toward her on the tracks.”

Will Denali Melody escape from the railroad tracks or will the Fairbanks Express flatten her? Will Prof. Slippery Slinker prevail? Will Eagle River ever be the same?

There are three shows during Bear Paw, July 9, 10, 11 all at 7 p.m. Additional performances are scheduled for July 16, 17 and 18. All performances are at the Eleanor Braendel Theater at 12340 Old Glenn Highway, above AIH Hardware.

The cast will also perform a scene from the play on the festival’s mainstage July 11.

Tickets for the show are $15 for non-members of the Alaska Fine Arts Academy and $12 for members. They may be purchased online at www.akfinearts.org or by calling 694-8909

Reach the reporter at darrellbreese.@alaskastar.com.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, July 2, 2009.