By Misty Cryer
Season 65 came to an end with the second annual Ellienda event on August 31. This celebration began with a reception with refreshments and provided an overview of the season with recognition of volunteers and a brief discussion of the state of the theatre. Season 66 shows and the season schedule were revealed with the announcement that season tickets are available. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Elli Awards and special recognitions.
Paul Cox served as the Master of Ceremonies. He announced the plays of the 2023-24 season, which included The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (directed by Matt Fletcher and Cassie Parks), A Christmas Carol (directed by Paul Cox), Always a Bridesmaid (directed by Dianne Joop and Barbara Hodgson), A Rock Sails By (directed by Pam Cox), and the summer musical—fundraiser for the theatre—Cinderella (directed by Mannie Bemis, Carolyn Olson, and Linda Servold).
“The state of our theatre is improving,” said Cox, adding the theatre had some lean years during COVID. “Season 65 has put us back in a pretty good condition,” he said as he announced improvements to the theatre, including a sound system, upgrading the lights from iridescent to LED, and resurfacing the stage, with other improvements lined up. He shared his hopes and dreams of having a brand-new theatre in the future, asking, “Anyone out there have a spare million dollars? I’ll take it; it would be a good start on it.”
Cox revealed the Season 66 lineup. Shows include “I’ll Be Back Before Midnight” (opening October 11), “An O. Henry Christmas” (opening December 6), “Males Order Brides” (opening February 14), and “Three Murders and It’s Only Monday” (opening May 9). More information about the shows, showtimes, and how to purchase tickets can be found online at https://www.carlsbadnmtheatre.com. The showtimes have been changed for Season 66, with evening shows starting at 7 p.m. and matinees starting at 2:30 p.m., said Matt Fletcher. “We need to get the word out that we’ve changed that,” he said.
After the reveal of the next season’s lineup, Cox offered thanks to Tom and Mannie Bemis for their time dedicated to the theatre, and to the entire audience. He said the theatre is operated totally by volunteers. “We all get paid the same—zero. The pay ain’t much, but the payoff is great,” he said.
A director from each of the Season 65 plays took the stage to recognize volunteers who contributed to their shows. Winners of awards for Season 65 included Logan Sweet—Best Male Newcomer, Debbie Spauling—Best Female Newcomer, Don Kneeling—Best Male in a Minor Role, Tessa Folks—Best Female in a Minor Role, Chasen Cooper—Best Supporting Actor, Tessa Folks—Best Supporting Actress, Jamie Covington—Best Actress, and Matt Fletcher—Best Actor. Best Set of the Season went to Mark Joop and Aaron Jones for the set of “Always a Bridesmaid.” The Best Play of the Season was “A Christmas Carol,” directed by Paul Cox. Carolyn Olson presented special recognitions that included recipients Robert (Bobby) Reid as Board Director of the Year and Paul and Pam Cox, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Theatre fans can start enjoying the new season with the first play, “I’ll Be Back Before Midnight,” showing on October 11-13 and 18-20. Auditions for “An O. Henry Christmas” will be on October 21. Cox encouraged the audience to spread the word that the theatre is looking for good people to volunteer and new talent. “Tell them; don’t be shy. We don’t bite. We will welcome them with open arms, and we’ll take care of them,” he said.
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