CCT Brings Horror to the Stage in Live Performance

By Misty Cryer

The nightmares from the big screen of the ‘60s come to life on stage as the Carlsbad Community Theatre presents “Night of the Living Dead Live,” full of special effects and a twist of comedy.

Shows are scheduled for October 24-26 and October 31-November 1. Being the first show of the season, it is a great time to purchase season tickets from this non-profit organization staffed by volunteers who strive to bring the love of live theater to audiences and performers alike.

“We’re not Broadway, but we’re close,” said Pam Cox, director of the play, with a laugh. “Night of the Living Dead Live” is based on the 1968 George Romero horror film called “Night of the Living Dead,” she said, adding that over the years, it has become a cult classic.

“Half of the play is very much aligned with the original movie,” said Cox. “The second half is anything but, and it is hysterical.”

In an attempt to recreate effects from the film, Cox said, “We’re just kind of bringing our individual talents to the table for this show,” adding, “I’m not gonna lie; there’s a lot of blood and body parts.”

Cox said, as a director, she has a vision of what she wants from the show. “I’ve got several people in the cast who have really helped us to achieve that,” she said.

Unsure of how to create the blood scenes, Cox said, there were a couple of guys on the show that came up with “really fabulous” ways of doing things. “That was a huge collaboration when it comes to special effects,” she said.

The lead roles in the play are made up of the six main people who were in the movie “Night of the Living Dead” who were trapped in the farmhouse, said Cox. With approximately 14 people cast, she said five or six of them are brand new.

“Two women who are wildlife biologists here in town are on the cast, we have one young man who is also a wildlife biologist who is new to the theater, and we have a couple of younger folks who have not been in shows before,” said Cox.

The director’s favorite part of the play is the musical number in the show. “It’s really funny,” said Cox, explaining that it is not a musical, but it has a musical interlude.

When asked if the show is recommended for all ages, Cox said, “There is a lot of yelling, a lot of zombies. There’s a lot of gunshots and then, of course, fake blood.” She suggested using caution about bringing little kids that might be sensitive to things like that, adding that there is some cursing, but nothing really horrible.

“This has been a labor of love with everybody,” said Cox. “I’ve directed many, many shows out here, and I have to say this was the most challenging.”

When audiences see the show, Cox said, they will realize why every member of the cast has brought something to make things better and more entertaining. “I’m really proud of this cast,” she said.

“Come out and see the show and buy season tickets because we have a real gem here in Carlsbad, New Mexico, when it comes to theater,” said Cox. “We have a lot of dedicated people and a lot of talented people.”

Tickets to the show can be purchased online at the Carlsbad Community Theatre website (https://www.carlsbadnmtheatre.com) or through Angee’s Flowers, Blue House Bakery and Cafe, or Treasured Moments.

“Live theater, there’s nothing like it. Some people have never been introduced to that,” said Cox. “We have that opportunity here in Carlsbad. Everybody can be introduced to theater,” she said.

According to the Facebook page for Carlsbad Community Theatre, the audition for the next play, “Christmas Belles,” directed by Paul Cox, will be on October 28 and 29 at 6 p.m. at the theater located at 4713 National Parks Highway.