CCT Opens Season with a Thriller

By Misty Cryer

The tense dynamic between a determined captive and an obsessed captor makes it to the local stage. “Misery” is a play by William Goldman based on the novel written by the “King of Horror,” Stephen King.

Carlsbad Community Theatre will be performing this play with showings over two weekends, October 2-4 and October 9-11. Showtime is 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.

About the play, Paul Cox, Director, said, “It tells a story about Paul Sheldon, a best-selling author of the Misery Chastain series of books, and Annie Wilkes, a former nurse living in a farmhouse just outside of Silver Creek, Colorado.” He said that Annie Wilkes saves Paul Sheldon from a car wreck. “She takes him home for rehab and to heal him up, and then the silliness begins.”

The story, Cox said, was made into a movie called “Misery” starring Kathy Bates and James Caan. “Annie is a little bit psycho,” he said, adding that people who have seen the movie probably know that. “She holds Paul Sheldon hostage until she gets him to write, or rewrite, one of the Misery books,” he said.

Cox explained that in Sheldon’s last book, the main character dies. “Annie doesn’t like the fact that she dies, so she has him burn that book and begin a new book where she is alive,” he said.

The play is very dramatic and shows the gamesmanship on both sides, by both Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes, said Cox. “Paul figures out pretty quickly that Annie is a little bit unhinged and he kind of uses that against her,” he said, adding that Annie kind of prevails until the end.

These characters are brought to life locally by actor Rob Watson and actress Pam Cox. Zeph Roberson plays the part of Buster, the sheriff.

Roberson said he plays a small role in this play. “I’m the sheriff in Misery.” In describing his character, he said, “He’s a pretty serious guy.”

Before the character meets his fate, Roberson said, “I really think he believes that things aren’t exactly right, but he can’t put his finger on it.”

The crew helps keep the play running smoothly, sets the mood and atmosphere, and provides special effects. “Mary Watson is our stage manager; Donia Dunlap is playing our sounds; and Michael Kostedt is doing our lights,” said Cox.

This is Paul Cox’s third play to direct. “I directed ‘A Christmas Carol’ two years ago. Last year, I directed ‘Christmas Belles,’ and this is my third attempt,” he said.

About directing, Cox said he enjoys being able to sit in the audience and watch the actors develop characters and to watch them grow in their characterization of the people that they are portraying. “To me that is the most satisfying part of it, to watch the actors really grow into their parts,” he said.

Cox has acted in a few productions. His favorite part about acting, he said, is being able to be someone that you’re not and trying to project that character to the audience. “The Community Theatre has great people who are associated with the theatre and helping out; it’s a great little community,” he added.

Being the first show of the season, it is a perfect time to get season passes, which are available online (https://www.carlsbadnmtheatre.com/). Tickets can also be purchased online, at the box office, or in person at Treasured Moments (105 S. Canyon St.), Angee’s Flowers (604 N. Canal St.), or Blue House Bakery and Café (609 N. Canyon St.).

“Carlsbad Community Theatre is the only venue dedicated entirely to live action drama or live action plays,” said Cox. “We’ve been doing this since 1960 out there at that old building,” he said.

Upcoming plays of the season, as announced at the Ellienda Awards Show, include “A Christmas Story” directed by Matt Fletcher showing in December; “The Diary of Anne Frank” directed by Rob Watson showing in February of 2027; and “Clue on Stage” directed by Pam Cox showing in April of 2027. Next, the summer fundraiser in June 2027 supporting the non-profit’s next season will be “The Carol Burnett Show,” directed by Donia Dunlap.