CCT Brings Comical Insanity to the Stage

By Misty Cryer

Carlsbad Community Theatre is performing “Arsenic and Old Lace,” a play by Joseph Kesselring. With Carolyn Olson in the director’s seat, some new to CCT, along with veterans of the theater, make up the cast and crew to deliver this dark comedy, loaded with family secrets, murder, mischief, and humor, to locals and visitors alike.

Productions are on April 24, 25, and 26, and May 1, 2, and 3. The showtimes are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with Sunday matinees starting at 2:30 p.m. The theatre is located at 4713 National Parks Highway.

This play was originally produced on Broadway in the 1940s. “It’s that old,” said Carolyn. “It was also made into a movie with Cary Grant,” she said.

Carolyn is very active at the theatre, but it is her first time directing a regular production. “I’ve done the children’s musical for a lot of years. This is the first time I’ve worked with all adults, so it’s been fun,” she said.

“The two Brewster sisters are played by Mannie Bemis and Cathy Queen,” said Carolyn. In previous years, Carolyn and Mannie have co-directed the summer musical. She said that she could call Mannie assistant director for this production, but in addition to playing a lead role, “Mannie Bemis is basically the set designer for this play and has done a fantastic job.”

Teddy Brewster is played by Terry Busby, a veteran of the theatre, said Carolyn.

Another CCT veteran, Matt Fletcher, plays Dr. Einstein, the accomplice of Jonathan Brewster, played by Rob Watson, who is a nephew of the Brewster sisters.

Rob is fairly new to the theatre, said Carolyn. She said he started last summer in the musical “The Shoemaker and the Elves” and he’s been in productions since then. “His daughters are both in it, and his son is the lighting technician,” she said.

“Starting in elementary school and all through high school, I was in probably a dozen productions altogether, ranging from musicals to plays,” said Rob. He said he really loves acting but had not performed since high school.

Rob’s daughter, Mary, found out about the community theatre and convinced him to try out for the children’s musical because his teenage daughters, who have been in musical productions through the dance studio, wanted to be involved. “It reignited the fire in me,” he said.

In this production, Mary Watson plays Elaine Harper, the daughter of Rev. Dr. Harper, played by Dave Kump, and the fiancée of Mortimer Brewster, the nephew of the Brewster sisters, played by Daniel Miller.

When asked what she likes most about theatre, Mary said, “I like that I can tell stories through the stage.” She said there are things like costuming and facial expressions that tell stories that aren’t necessarily lines in the theatre.

Emmeline Watson takes on the role of Officer Klein alongside Officer Brophy, played by Ray Escobar, and Officer O’Hara, played by David Tise.

Emmeline said she likes theatre because she can socialize. “It is just a really fun experience all around,” she said, adding that acting makes her happy and makes her feel good.

“I am the technician for this play, due to the fact that all the other technicians are currently in acting roles,” said Neil Watson, Rob’s son. “I’m a fast learner, so I was able to pick it up pretty quick,” he said.

Neil is new to the theatre. He said he was a narrator for a read-out play in the third grade, but that’s about it.

Michael Kostedt plays Lieutenant Rooney. “Michael is helping with the lights, and he is also on stage,” said Carolyn. “He’s been in plays since he was six or seven years old. He’s really a veteran,” she said.

Gabriel Freston plays two supporting roles, Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Witherspoon, who bring the play’s plot and humor to life.

Delores Kopp is the understudy for one of the Brewster sisters and will appear in the April 24 production. “We haven’t had the luxury of having understudies,” said Carolyn. “She comes and learns the play and is ready to go on stage when someone can’t be on,” she said.

In addition to the cast and crew already mentioned, the production team also includes Tom Bemis, J Chester Design, Sarah Jones, Sabrina Escobar, Teddy Escobar, Renee Easley, and LaWanda Scholl.

Tickets to the shows can be purchased in person at Treasured Moments, Angee’s Flowers, or Blue House Bakery and Café, or online at the theatre’s website (https://www.carlsbadnmtheatre.com).