With the lively sound of country bluegrass music emanating from the iconic red barn building of The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music Hall, the mood was filled with excitement and anticipation for a Sunday matinee of their latest presentation of “The Bako Bandits.”
Entering the barn doors, the smell of enticing food and treats were offered at the Moosehead Lounge snack bar as theatergoers were greeted by the costumed, smiling faces of the talented cast and crew who then guided them to their tables in the main auditorium.
“We’re excited and are having lots of fun on this one,” said actor Maddie Cargill, (Marie Marie).
Popcorn, hotdogs, and soda pop in tow, theater patrons filed in to find their seats. The Gaslight’s Stage was set with its old-fashioned brocade curtain and piano accompanist Dustin Powell ready to start the show.
“I like the way it’s always a little different each time, there is room for improvisation and adapting to the show and the audience,” Powell said.
In the tradition of the Gaslight Melodrama, with its audience interactive and inclusive style, the crowd was riled up for the show by Producer and Artistic Director Michael Prince who played Sheriff Dastardly Drygulch.
The stage curtain was raised to an old western town besieged by a mysterious, sharp-shooting, bank-robbing, Wild West couple that Sheriff Drygulch was bent on capturing.
The deadly duo’s crime spree struck fear into the old western town set in Kern County, while the town businesses, including a saloon and a church, had their own troubles staving off the booed villain sheriff who is also trying to dupe the town proprietors in this classic tale of the west.
The performance was full of all of the villains and heroes that the audience continuously booed and cheered for. There were romantic bandits, saloon girls, a pastor, and a wily sheriff. The show was full of hilarious dancing scenes, wild chases, and gunslinging.
After the main performance, the Melodrama also presented a lighthearted comedic afterpiece called, The Bluetail Lounge Rides again, written by Warren Dobson, in which the talented cast sang and danced and sent the audience home in a fun and cheerful mood for the evening.
“The Bako Bandits” runs from Jan 23 – March 7. Go to themelodrama.com to see their full 2026 show schedule and ticket information. Senior and student tickets are available. The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music Hall is located at 12748 Jomani Drive, Bakersfield, Calif. 93312. (661)587-3377.
