Local Talent Celebrated at Third Annual Ellienda

By Misty Cryer

The Third Annual Ellienda celebration took place at Carlsbad Community Theatre on August 30 for the 2024-2025 season. During this event, the highlights of the season were shared, followed by special awards and recognition, presentation of the Elli Awards, a discussion of the state of the theatre, and the announcement of the plays to be featured in the next season.

Acting as Master of Ceremonies, Matt Fletcher welcomed the audience on behalf of the Board of Directors. He explained that the event used to be called the Merienda, which is a Spanish word for a light meal or a light snack. The name was changed three years ago, “Because No. 1 nobody knew what Merienda was,” said Fletcher, followed by laughter, “and No. 2 because we combined this season kickoff with our annual awards banquet.”

The Elli Awards are named after Ellen Friesen, one of the original founding members of the Carlsbad Community Theatre, which is reflected in the current event name, “Ellienda,” according to Fletcher.

The Elli Awards for the 2024-2025 season included Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress, with both having a tie. The Best Lead Actor awards went to Terry Busby for his role as O.P. in “An O. Henry Christmas,” and to Dan Witwer as Big Harry Deal in “Males Order Brides.”

Best Lead Actress Elli Awards went to Jamie Covington as Starr Billngs, who portrayed multiple roles in “Males Order Brides,” and to Jessica Quintero, who played Fran in “An O. Henry Christmas.”

“Males Order Brides,” directed by Donia Dunlap, won two Elli Awards, one for Best Play and the other for Best Set.

The Best Supporting Actress category had a three-way tie. Elli Awards were presented to Melissa Lawrence-Bridges as Hannah in “Three Murders and It’s Only Monday,” Emmalee “Ash” Carrigan as Lucky Betts in “Males Order Brides,” and Elena Munoz as Laura Sanderson in “I’ll Be Back Before Midnight.”

The Elli Award for Best Supporting Actor went to Don Knealing for his role as Grubby Shurtz in “Males Order Brides.”

Latricia Ash, who played Tiara Rhinestone in “Males Order Brides,” received the Elli Award for Best Female in a Minor Role. The Best Male in a Minor Role Elli Award went to Dave Kump, for his roles as Captain Mandrake and Humphrey Hopkins in “Three Murders and It’s Only Monday.”

Jessica Quintero received the Elli Award for Best Female Newcomer for her role as Fran in “An O. Henry Christmas.” Dan Witwer won Best Male Newcomer and was presented with an Elli Award for his role as Big Harry Deal in “Males Order Brides.”

Carolyn Olson and Mannie Bemis were recognized and honored by Fletcher, who said the two ladies took over directing the summer musical when Ellen Friesen stepped down and kept it running for many years. “That’s what community theatre is all about, honestly, is people being willing to take that challenge on and be dedicated to it,” said Fletcher.

“It’s easy to do a musical when you have Linda Servold,” said Olson, expressing appreciation for Servold serving as musical director in the summer shows.

“Sadly, to finish the story off, this musical that we had this last summer will probably be the last one we’ll have for a while because Carolyn and Mannie are stepping down from that role,” said Fletcher, adding that they will do something in the summer to fill that gap.

Directors recognized volunteers and contributors, who were many, who helped with the season’s plays.

In the state of the theatre update, Fletcher thanked members of the community for their support, while encouraging the spreading of news about the shows through word of mouth. He said the theatre has been running at a loss while discussing several events that have led to the building needing repairs over the last few years. He expressed appreciation for the endowment left through a generous gift by Ronnie K. Seipp, which he said helps to fill the gap in years that don’t break even.

Donia Dunlap announced the plays for the 2025-2026 season. They include: “Night of the Living Dead Live“ directed by Pam Cox (October 24, 25, 26, 31, and November 1, and 2); “Christmas Belles” directed by Paul Cox (December 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21); “Sweet Surrender” directed by Donia Dunlap (February 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22); and “Arsenic and Old Lace” directed by Carolyn Olson (April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26).

Tickets for the season are available online at https://www.carlsbadnmtheatre.com/.