Olympic Theatre Arts’ melodrama returns with a new script, slate of jokes and plenty of shout-outs to lavender, bureaucracy and life in Sequim.

For the play’s third iteration, writer/co-director David Herbelin pulls from his own life to have new lavender farmer Johnny (Justin Stapleton) overcome government regulations and the dastardly hermit Nimby (Matt Forrest) to open his own lavender farm while trying to win the blessing to marry Betty Blue (Nikki Mischke).

As tradition, audience members are encouraged to cheer for Johnny, boo Nimby, sigh for Betty and encourage Lottie (Tia Stephens).

“Lavender Dreams” continues its run at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays through July 21. Tickets are $20 and available online at olympictheatrearts.org, or by calling the box office at 360-683-7326 from 1-4 p.m., Tuesdays-Fridays.

Herbelin said OTA leaders’ initial intent of the melodrama was to have it continue as long as possible with the same script, similarly to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” where audience-goers return and recite it word for word.

Photo courtesy Olympic Theatre Arts/ Johnny and Betty (Justin Stapleton and Nikki Mischke) embrace in Olympic Theatre Arts’ “Lavender Dreams,” where Johnny looks to open his own lavender farm.

However, some of the Sequim melodrama’s initial references were feeling outdated, he said, so he turned to his recent encounter with new Clallam County regulations and started writing the script at the beginning of the year.

Herbelin, also OTA’s executive director, opened his lavender business Old Barn Lavender Company with his wife last summer to the public and now finds himself facing a slate of expensive permitting to continue his lavender business due to its size and zoning.

Clallam County leaders began outreaching to farms late last year to create new regulations for farms’ agricultural accessory uses, such as U-pick and farm tours, as there had been no regulations. The new requirements have different levels of standards for farms depending on their size, buildings and various elements that could result in expensive upgrades and permits.

Photos courtesy Olympic Theatre Arts Sequim locations and local icons, like gold medalist Matt Dryke (played by Joodie Klinke), in center, make cameos in Olympic Theatre Arts’ melodrama “Lavender Dreams,” running weekends through July 21.

When brainstorming ways to update the play, Herbelin said to himself, “We already have a real melodrama in this town.”

While act one focuses on the bureaucracy, and act two focuses on warring business models, Herbelin said “the comedy is still going to play even if someone doesn’t know the details of what’s going on with farms.”

Herbelin said he’s been around comedy his entire career, and that when something tragic has happened, he’s dealt with it through comedy.

“If I’m writing something and they’re laughing, then they’re relating,” he said.

Photo courtesy Olympic Theatre Arts/ Hero lavender farmer Johnny (Justin Stapleton) encounters villain Nimby (Matt Forrest) who wants to shut down the lavender industry and his farm in Olympic Theatre Arts’ melodrama “Lavender Dreams,” running weekends through July 21.

“It’s universal and other people have gotten on board and said they can’t believe this is happening. I think everyone would appreciate (the show).

“It shows the ridiculousness of the system, and it’s universal to anyone who has dealt with bureaucracy or any red tape.”

Forrest and Herbelin serve as co-directors of “Lavender Dreams,” which also stars Rebecca Maberry, Phillip McIntire and Joodie Klinke.

‘Lavender Dreams’

Olympic Theatre Arts production

Remaining times/dates: 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through July 21

Where: Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave.

Tickets: $20, available online at olympictheatrearts.org, or call 360-683-7326 (1-4 p.m., Tuesdays-Fridays)

More info: olympictheatrearts.org