TV Writer Takes Theatrical Turn, Buys Into Moorpark Melodrama

Major changes are underway at Moorpark Melodrama, though they may not yet be apparent to audiences. Bob Fraser, a TV writer and producer whose credits include “The Love Boat,” and “Full House,” is buying into the company, which has been owned by Linda Bredemann and her husband, Harvey, since 1986.

Harvey Bredemann died of cancer March 1, and Linda--who had been running the facility with Scott Martin since then--explained, “It’s time for a vacation.” Martin is no longer actively involved in the Melodrama, she added.

Before moving to Hollywood in 1977, Fraser and his wife ran a Melodrama-type operation in South Dakota, near Mt. Rushmore. He was also a founding member of the Groundlings improv troupe in Los Angeles. But he abandoned acting when he chose a “Love Boat” writing job over a role in a play at the Los Angeles Music Center.

Fraser, who lives in Northridge, and writing partner Tom Biener are working on next season’s Melodrama scripts. Their first effort, “The Road to Transylvania,” will hit the boards in October. Some of next season’s plays had been produced in South Dakota; most are new, he added.

As for Linda Bredemann, she’ll continue to run the Melodrama’s Costume Annex, she says, promote occasional shows at the theater, and run the children’s workshop.

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Moorpark Musketeers: The Melodrama’s current production, “Three Musketeers and a Baby,” is a laugh fest combining high jinks and low humor.

Kevin P. Kern, who directed the Melodrama’s “Pirates of Penzance” earlier this year, is in charge, with Dean Fransen as musical director. Several sound and other cues misfired at Saturday’s matinee, problems the cast dealt with adroitly.

Afterward, the cast dons ‘30s outfits for a brief revue of songs associated with Fats Waller--sort of a condensed “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” It’s worth sticking around for.

* “Three Musketeers and a Baby” at Magnificent Moorpark Melodrama & Vaudeville Co., 45 E. High St., Moorpark. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Sept. 21. $12. (805) 529-1212.

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“Personals” Note: Last week’s column gave the impression that “Personals,” a Theater League presentation planned for next summer at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, is a new show. It is not, but it is a new production.