Director's Notes
Welcome to Cobbs’ Carnival of Dreams, the show where over-the-hill monsters find a second chance to achieve their dreams. The premise of this show is obviously tongue-in-cheek, but I find there is an odd, sincere resonance with me. In a way, this silly little Halloween show has given me a second chance as well. When I think of all the places the Cobbs have brought me, and more importantly the amazing, kind, talented people it has allowed me to work with, it’s hard not to feel like I’m living the dream.
If this is your first time seeing our odd little spectacle, welcome. One of the most exciting things about this show is that it is different every time, and I don’t mean in the way all live theater is. This program allows us to work with local performing artists to incorporate their talents and provide true variety. The Cobbs’ show has included singers, dancers, musicians, acrobats, jugglers, fire dancers, martial artists, stand-up comedians, improv troupes, slam poets, and more. We look forward to helping the next wave of performers showcase their talents as we head into a bright future.
Today’s show is meant to breathe a little goofiness into Halloween events. However, don’t let that undercut the fact that it is also a labor of love. With that in mind, I sincerely want to thank all the creative people who help put it together. I hope you enjoy and that we’ll see you again at another event.
Aaron Buck
Director – Writer – Producer
Cobb’s Carnival of Dreams
Meet the Cast
Cornelius Cobb
David Cromer
David isn’t just the latest actor to portray Cornelius Cobb, he literally created the character. He was the original concept designer for the haunted attraction Cornelius Cobb’s Carnival of Dreams in 2013 which eventually became this variety show. Outside of Stage Fright David is an experienced actor, performing regularly in productions by BS Theater. He most recently played the titular role in their production of Hamlet.
Carlisle Cobb
Aurora Hil
Aurora has been with the Carnival of Dreams since 2018, playing a knife thrower in our story-driven maze at the Anaheim Fall Festival. She took on the role of Cyrus Cobb when the revamped show hit the road in 2022. She has since performed the role at Midsummer Scream (2022 &2023) and HorrorCon Los Angeles (2022 &2023). She will be portraying the role of Emma the makeup artist in our upcoming web series “Haunted.”
Cyrus Cobb
Michael Jon Murphy
Michael has been a working actor for over 30 years both on and off stage. With plenty of experience in-front of and behind the camera, Michael prides himself on doing his own stunts and being one “helluva’ singer.” This is his first show with Stage Fright Theater Co. and he is the latest actor to join the Cobb family, becoming Cyrus.
Phantom of Da Club
Marcel Alonzo
Raised in Long Beach, Marcel Alonzo is a versatile performer. Not only a gifted scare actor, but a singer, comedian and writer. He enjoys Kaiju movies, RPGs, and good company. Marcel joined the Carnival for HorrorCon Los Angeles 2023, preforming a Frank Sinatra song as Frankenstien’s Monster. He returned for Spooky Swap Meet 2024 as a DJ version of the Phantom of the Opera, which he will be reprising in today’s show.
Mr. Jones
B.K-McKee
Hello there! I’m B.K-McKee, actor, improvian and overall odd job enthusiast. I’ve been living in LA for a while now and just love the environment of spooks, ghouls and that one tattooed friend who gets excited if your bring then animal bones you found in the park. I hope you enjoy our show!
Mr. Smith
Candy Buck
A classically trained singer and Character Actor. Her most notable roles have been Auntie Em from the Wizard of Oz, Lady Bracknell from The Importance of Being Earnest and Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Beyond theater, Candy’s biggest passion is for all things spooky and she is a founding member of Stage Fright Theater Co. She has appeared in multiple productions as the Bearded Lady, Werewolf Improv Actor and as Mr. Smith, which she will be reprising at this event!
Wren Reed
Calypso
Wren Vera Monsour is a classically trained singer and a proud new addition to the Stage Fright Theater Company. Some of her favorite roles in the past have been Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute), Titania (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), and the Drunken Wench (The Beggar’s Opera). In her free time, she enjoys cross-stitching and sharing funny videos with her wife.
Plot Summary
Back in Ireland the Cobbs were the original spirits of Samhain, the holiday that later became Halloween. They were makers of mischief who could communicate with the dead as well as the living. Over time their legends became myths, myths became forgotten stories, and after a few centuries, suddenly no one was afraid of the Cobbs anymore.
Lost, with no sense of purpose, the eldest Cobb, Cornelius, had an idea… and a dream. Cornelius would gather other Halloween monsters that people no longer found scary and help them find new dreams of their own. A surprising number were interested in show business. Cornelius then recruited the two younger Cobb siblings, Cyrus (to handle the finances) and Carlisle (to promote the show). Together the three Cobb siblings began a traveling show to help monsters fulfill their dreams of becoming performers. They called it Cobbs’ Carnival of Dreams!
Crew
Candy Buck
- Producer
- Costumes
- Makeup Design
- Head Makeup Artist
Ryan Pena
- Co-Writer
- Original Music
- Sound Design
- Sound Mixing
Aaron Buck
- Director
- Co-Writer
- Producer
- Digital Media
Special Thanks To:
The Halfway to Halloween organizers for giving us this amazing opportunity to perform for you all.
The Scary Tales and Mini Golf staff. None of us would be having a good time if you weren’t feeding us, cleaning up messes, maintaining our safety, and more. Our sincerest thank you.
American Tiger Martial Arts Studio for providing rehearsal space.
Adventures With David for giving us a plug on his awesome Youtube channel back in 2022.
The dozens of talented people we’ve worked with over the years. Whether cast, crew, or support staff, none of this could be possible without your efforts. It truly does take teamwork to make the Carnival of Dreams work… Also, “skeletons.”