Photo Credit: Midland Community Theatre Facebook

What to watch: Summer Mummers is one of Midland’s most iconic summer traditions, bringing live melodrama and comedy to the Permian Basin since 1946. Hosted at the Yucca Theatre, 208 N. Colorado St., it is the longest-running melodrama in the United States and runs Fridays and Saturdays from June 5 through August 29. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, May 1, and popular nights fill quickly.

The big picture: Summer Mummers is more than a show. It’s a full experience built on community, comedy, and audience interaction. The production blends classic melodrama with the fast-paced “Olio,” a series of short sketches, dances, and interactive moments that keep the energy high from start to finish.

Behind the scenes, the show is powered by nearly 100 volunteers each night, totaling around 15,000 volunteer hours each summer. It also plays a major role in supporting Midland Community Theatre, generating roughly $250,000 annually, about 27% of its annual budget.

But what really defines the experience is the atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, popcorn is part of the show, and by the end of the night, it’s everywhere. It’s in your clothes, your hair, and even your purse, and that’s exactly the point.

Guests are asked to follow a few simple rules: no outside food or drinks, popcorn throwing only during intermission, and all attendees must have a ticket. Dress is casual, but practical is recommend, because you will get messy.