Excitement was in the air at the Parkside Playhouse Monday night as performers for “Gold in the Hills” prepared for their 80^th anniversary special show.

Can-can dancers applied their ruby red lipstick and concession workers made sure peanuts would last throughout the duration of the three-act melodrama.

In previous years, it had been a tradition to throw peanuts at the villain, but after having a severe rodent and snake problem at the theater, it was decided that the peanuts would have to be retired.

However, for Monday’s special showing, throwing peanuts was revived, and all were happy except for the villain.

“I am not excited about getting hit with the peanuts. One year, when we were still at the Bowmar Avenue Theatre a little kid hit me in my eye,” William Mathews said.

Mathews has performed as Richard Murgatroyd for 47 years he said, and aside from not looking forward to being pelted by peanuts, was honored to be part of the 80^th anniversary special show.

“It is a very gratifying moment to perform tonight,” Mathews said.

Prior to the melodrama, a champagne event was held on stage for the dignitaries in attendance and cast members.

Vicksburg Theatre Guild’s Dr. Paul Ballard took this time to thank all for being part of the special night.

“This is so exciting to feel the electricity and tradition and celebrate it with so many people,” Ballard said.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace and his wife Kim were at Monday’s performance, and said their family had a long history of performing in the Guinness Book of World Records longest running melodrama.

“This is a special night for the production. My wife started as a peanut girl for “Gold in the Hills” on the Sprague. She then became one of the can-can dancers and my niece is playing Nellie tonight,” Sheriff Pace said.

“My aunt Joan Marcus was also a can-can dancer for “Gold in the Hill,” Kim Pace said.

Monday’s special performance kicks off the 2016 regular season for the melodrama, which will begin this weekend.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and will continue April 2, 8, 9,15 and 16. Shows will resume in July and run July 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23. Admission is $12 and $6 for ages 12 and younger.

For more information and tickets, visit vicksburgtheatreguild.com.