The Theater on High Street rings with melodrama once again. The High Street Theater Foundation production of "Xorro, the Be-Bop Bandito" hits the stage at 8 p.m. Fri., May 20. It slashes on every weekend through June 12, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. June 5 and 12.

Its second time in production at this venue, "Xorro" has had quite a history with the Theater on High Street. Once again, veterans of the original Moorpark Melodrama return in this production to sing, act and urge the audience to cheer the good guys and boo the bad guys.

The last time this comedy hit the theater, the warped take on the classic story of a masked marauder fighting corruption in early California "wowed" theatergoers. This contemporary production, featuring solid takeoffs on ’50s-style doo-wop hits, should do the trick even better.

The cast includes Patrick Tiller, who portrays the dashing Dum Diego, a.k.a. Xorro, Rosemary Moffat as Dona Homina De Homina, Jeff Wallach as Gazpatcho and William Wilson as Don Dadondon. A number of Moorpark locals join the cast as townspeople. "Xorro, the Be-Bop Bandito" is directed by Kevin Kern and features lyrics penned by Scott Martin.

Produced by High Street Theater Foundation president Ralph Mauriello, the project has gathered momentum and plenty of community involvement. Local businesses, churches and homeowners associations opened up to the troupe to allow rehearsal space.

Support volunteers include Greg and Leisa Ormsbee, a couple well-known in Moorpark Country Days circles. Leisa, with the help of local high school students, is painting the sets which were built by Greg. "Xorro’s" logo and poster artwork were created by popular local artist Chris Martinez, best known for his murals at Moorpark High School and Flory Academy.

Theatergoers are encouraged to enjoy food and drink at their seats during the show. The fully appointed beer and wine bar serves popcorn, goodies and soda as well. The coffee is from It’s A Grind coffee shop in Moorpark. Parking is free, just across the street in the newly enlarged city parking lot, between the Maria’s Family Restaurant and the Bar-B-Que Joint.

All proceeds go toward the High Street Theater Foundation’s efforts to fulfill their mission to keep this theater and the arts alive and well in the city of Moorpark. They ask theater supporters to help them by letting the Moorpark City Council know that you support these efforts.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults; kids under 12 are $8. Seniors are offered a 10 percent discount, and group rates are available. For tickets online, visit the ticket website at www.gotchaticket.com/mm. The Theater on High Street is located at 45 E. High Street, near the Moorpark Avenue intersection, in Old Town Moorpark.

To order tickets, call (805) 529-8700 and leave your name, date and number of tickets you want. Information can also be found on the Web at www.highstreettheaterfoundation.org.