Bonitafest Melodrama Begins on September 23rd
Opening night for the 49th Bonitafest Melodrama—San Diego County's longest-running continuous theatrical production— will be this Wednesday, September 23rd, and the show will go on through the 26th.
"Bonita Vista By Two" may be enjoyed this year at the Sweetwater Church Theater, located at 5305 Sweetwater Road (across from the Pumpkin Patch / Christmas Tree lot).
Written and directed by local playwright and composer Dr. Max Branscomb, this year's story follows a group of six college-bound Bonita Vista High School graduates who team up to protect a beloved local Bonita restaurant from a pair of classic melodrama villains, Cadwell Von Fowl and Lickpenny.
Performance dates are September 23rd through September 26th, 2026 with a 7:30PM nightly curtain time.
Adult tickets are $20 and students are $10. Children under 3 are free. Tickets are available at the door or by calling the production line at 619.850.7126 for availability and reservations.
The Bonitafest Melodrama originally debuted back in 1978 in a rented circus tent pitched on Bonita Road at the site of what is now the Bonita-Sunnyside library. Max Branscomb—then a 20-year-old San Diego State University journalism student—teamed up with 26-year-old Bonita Vista Junior High School drama teacher Loren Lindsey to create the original production. For nearly a half-century, the Melodrama has preserved South Bay history by weaving real-world community milestones, local landmarks, and historical events into family-friendly musical comedies.—Times of San Diego
The companion historical showcase, "The Story of BonitaFest From The Archives," is also open through September 26, 2026 for anyone looking to explore the festival's 54-year history.
The showcase may be found at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, located at 4355 Bonita Road, Bonita 91902. The Museum is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10AM until 4:00PM.
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