Talent and Contributions Recognized at 2025-26 Ellienda

By Misty Cryer

This year's Ellienda began with mingling in the lobby of the Carlsbad Community Theatre (CCT), followed by a comical exchange between Al Tornabene and Rob Watson, who portrayed the quirky roles of bellhops Otis and Francis in one of the plays performed during the season.

Contributions to the non-profit were recognized with awards presented to volunteers at the theater who bring the performances to life. The state of the theater was shared and plays for next season were announced.

Watson assumed the role of Master of Ceremonies welcoming the audience and acknowledging the plays of the season including Night of the Living Dead Live, directed by Pam Cox; Christmas Belles, directed by Paul Cox; Suite Surrender, directed by Donia Dunlap; Arsenic and Old Lace, directed by Carolyn Olson; and The Great Ice Cream Scheme…or Robin Baskins to the Rescue, directed by Donia Dunlap.

"I think we can all agree that Season 67 has been a phenomenal season," said Watson.

Patrons, season ticket holders, audience members, actors, actresses, directors, backstage crews, and sound and light technicians were recognized as contributors, along with partners at various businesses around town, the CCT Board of Directors, Carlsbad Lodger's Tax, and other sponsors of the theater.

Acknowledgment and appreciation were expressed to ConocoPhillips for sponsoring a workday to paint the theater's exterior, to Sabrina Escobar, CCT Board of Directors member who led the project, and to Lowe's for providing discounts on the doors to be installed soon.

Watson, on behalf of CCT, gave special thanks to Mannie Bemis, who he said recently stepped down after serving 20 years on the CCT Board of Directors. "Everyone in this room has been touched in some way by her selfless service all those years, and I think that service deserved a standing ovation," he said, evoking a cheerful response from the audience.

Directors were invited to the stage, one by one, to offer recognition and acknowledgment to contributors for each play. Nominees for the Elli Awards were announced, with the awards presented by prior awardees. Renee Love-Easley made presentations for those not in attendance.

Best Male Newcomer went to Al Tornabene for his role in Suite Surrender. He thanked everyone, saying, "It's a long road coming back here. I took probably a 30-year sabbatical from acting and came back with a vengeance—found a new family, love you all."

Ray Escobar was presented with the award Best Male in a Minor Role for his performance in Arsenic and Old Lace. His speech, given in a confident, joking manner, drew much applause and laughter as he said, "I would like to thank everybody here for believing in me, the best actor out there. I know everyone here loves me, and I'm the greatest of all time. When I make it big, I get to Hollywood, and I'm in every single movie, just know, I'll remember every one of you. Thank you."

The awards for Best Female Newcomer and Best Female in a Minor Role went to Maggie Broussard and Cheyene Williams, respectively, for their roles in Suite Surrender.

Terry Busby was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Arsenic and Old Lace. After saying "Thank you," Busby assumed his role in the play, yelling "Charge!" as he exited the stage. Best Supporting Actress went to Maggie Broussard for her role in Suite Surrender.

Daniel Miller was awarded Best Lead Actor for his role in Arsenic and Old Lace. Expressing appreciation and the honor to perform at CCT, he said, "I just want to say I really enjoyed my time. I had a bit of a hiatus coming back; it was about five years since I've been on stage, and I really felt like I came into my own. I really appreciate all the support from the directors and everyone involved. It was a great show, great turnouts, and I really enjoyed it."

Jamie Covington received the Best Lead Actress award for her role in Suite Surrender. In accepting the award, she depicted her role as one of the feuding divas in the play, drawing much applause from the audience.

The Best Set went to Mannie Bemis, designer of the two-story set for Arsenic and Old Lace, with the Best Play going to Donia Dunlap, director of Suite Surrender. "Thank you so much. This is a shocker because this really was a season of wonderful plays. I share this with all the casting; thank you so much. I love you guys," said Dunlap.

The program closed with Olson giving a state of the theater update and Dunlap announcing the plays of next season: Misery, A Christmas Story, The Diary of Anne Frank, Clue on Stage, with The Carol Burnett Show as the summer production.