Romance, Rivalry, and Ruckus at CCT

By Misty Cryer

Talent abounds at Carlsbad Community Theatre, with a dedicated cast and crew bringing entertainment and laughs in a farce by Michael McKeever, Suite Surrender. The show, directed by Donia Dunlap, opens just in time to celebrate the season of love.

Showtimes are February 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. The Friday and Saturday shows start at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Set in the World War II era at a glamorous Palm Beach hotel, two rival performers have been mistakenly booked into the same suite. The cast includes both veteran performers and newcomers to the theatre that bring the story to life: Pam Cox as Claudia McFadden, Jamie Covington as Athena Sinclair, Michael Kostedt as Mr. Pippet, Ashley Sacco as Murphy Stevens, Maggie Broussard as Mrs. Everett P. Osgood, Al Tornabene as Otis, Rob Watson as Francis, and Cheyenne Williams as Dora del Rio.

Veteran and award-winning actor Zeph Roberson interacts with the entire cast as Bernard S. Dunlap, the hotel’s General Manager. He plays a hilarious role, ranging from calm, cool, and collected to downright frantic, as he attempts to control the chaos. He directs his staff to prevent the divas from finding out about the double-booking while dealing with a socialite, a nosy gossip columnist, and taking care of Mr. Boodles, the dog of one of the movie stars.

Roberson, who grew up in Elida, a little town in New Mexico, said he has been involved with Carlsbad Community Theatre since 1997. He has been married to Kathy for 43 years. Their daughter, Melissa Angelis, is a teacher in Carlsbad, and their son, Cooper Roberson, lives in Albuquerque.

Roberson’s career brought him to Carlsbad, where he taught middle-school math and coached football, basketball, and baseball, eventually becoming an administrator at PR Leyva before retiring. “I did 31 years in education,” he said.

When asked what he enjoyed most about theatre, Roberson said, “The people I work with, and I just like being on the stage.” He said he was always a very shy guy, though he did act in grade school.

While mostly performing at the local venue, Roberson said he also served on the board for several years and as assistant director in several plays.

“My favorite mystery was The Unexpected Guest,” said Roberson, adding that Bob Scholl directed it. Other favorites he mentioned included comedies, Death by Chocolate, Ten Little Indians, and Out of Order.

“I love working with Donia,” said Roberson. “My favorite ones with Donia are the melodramas; they were a lot of fun.”

Dunlap said this will be the fifth play she has directed, marking her 33rd production at CCT. “I have played 13 roles on stage, delivered sound effects for 13 productions, (and) served as stage manager and assistant director,” she said.

“Suite Surrender is the first play I have directed that is not a melodrama. It is, however, bust-a-gut funny, and I have a truly amazing cast,” said Dunlap.

Dunlap said she was born in Carlsbad but moved away as an infant. “Daddy was a miner, and growing up, we never lived anywhere for more than two years.”

Returning to Carlsbad her freshmen year, Dunlap said, “I graduated in 1986 and earned my bachelor’s degrees in Broadcasting and Journalism from Eastern New Mexico University.”

In the summer of 2012, Dunlap was inspired by her daughter to audition for Ellen Friesen’s Fiddler on the Roof at CCT.

“I had taken a couple of theatre classes in college but had previously never been on stage or involved in any production, and I am definitely not a great singer,” said Dunlap. “Now, my daughter, Pauline, can really sing well and was part of the main cast. I was in the chorus, playing a small role with a few lines, and man, I was hooked.”

Since then, Dunlap said she’s been fortunate to work with Randy Milligan, Carolyn Olson, Mannie Bemis, Pam Cox, and Matt Fletcher as directors.

“My favorite thing about directing is collaborating with others to create the best show possible for our audience,” said Dunlap. “I have had a great time working with Michael Kostedt and Peter Nichols on this one. If your cast and crew have a good time preparing, the audience will have a great time watching them bring a story to life.”

Dunlap said she has served on the CCT Board of Directors for close to a decade. “I will have my first turn as President this coming season, when I also take on the direction of our summer fundraising production for the first time,” she said.

Tickets can be purchased at Treasured Moments, Angee’s Flowers, Blue House Bakery and Café, or at https://www.carlsbadnmtheatre.com.