The High Street Arts Center presents the return of the Moorpark Melodrama with "The Plight Before Christmas" by Fred J. Cusick and Diane Moore with additional material by Will Shupe.

The show runs Dec. 5 through 21 at 45 East High St., Moorpark.

Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Mountie William DuWellington and the evil Chester Smartpants vie for the affections of the beautiful Sarah Lovelace.

Things get out of hand when a troupe of local actors comes to town to put on the play "The Plight Before Christmas." William and Chester jump into the production on opening night and jump in and out of different roles, trying to beat each other to the altar where Sarah is waiting.

Will Shupe directs and Zach Spencer is the musical director.

Cast members are Jodie O'Donnell Morse, Scott Gilbert, J.C. Bishop, Chris Carnicelli, Ghislaine Sopher-Phillips and Lonni D Woodley.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $8 for children 12 and under. Group discounts are available.

For tickets and more information, call (805) 529-8700 or visit www.highstreetartscenter.com.