Directors' Notes
The Cobbs have performed a variety show at every Midsummer Scream since 2019. The characters and the show itself have evolved, but the essence remains the same: gather a bunch of talented people, put them in monster makeup, and entertain the crowd. The first version was a vehicle to introduce the backstory of our haunt. Now the characters and the world have evolved beyond that and taken on a life of their own.
Midsummer Scream was the first major event to take a chance on what was, admittedly, a rough show at the time. This is a full-circle moment for us — we got our start on the showfloor stage. Back in 2019, we had to fight for showtimes. Now we’ve been gifted the opportunity to take over the stage where it all began.
This is also the first time we’ve written a custom version of the Cobb show for an event. When Midsummer Scream announced the theme of spooky musicals, we felt like we had to respond.
Whether you know the Cobbs by now or are experiencing them for the first time, we hope you find the joy and fun that made us all fall in love with Halloween as kids.
Aaron Buck
Director /Writer/ Producer
Cobbs Off-Off-Off-Off Broadway Spectacular
Meet the Cast
Cornelius Cobb
Reeder Loveland
Reeder Loveland is delighted to be bringing Cornelius Cobb to the stage light this Midsummer! Whether he’s playing an plethoric writer or a train bandit at Knotts, Reeder is always ready for the Halloween season to come around! He’s clowned at Knotts Scary Farm’s CarnEvil, but we’ll see where he takes his fright this year. And a huge Thank you to all who made this show possible and all who’ve encouraged my passion for haunt throughout the years!
Cyrus Cobb
AJ Danna
Carlisle Cobb (Fri/Sun)
Aurora Hill
Hi I’m Aurora I have been with Stage Fright for 8 years and been playing Carlisle for about 3 years. Performing at these events is such a fun opportunity! I have done both film and theater acting for years and would not change a thing!
Carlisle Cobb (Fri/Sun)
Lauren Rhodes
Lauren Rhodes is returning as Carlisle Cobb as she was the original cast back in 2019. She has done a variety of musicals, plays and film acting over the last decade. Currently she is a singer/songwriter, figure skater and content creator who is excited to return back to the stage.
The Artist Formerly Known as The Bride
Linsey Rene
Summer Gillman
Nicole Rudder
Nicole Rudder is a seasoned performer with over 30 years of training and experience specializing in physical theatre, dance, and stage management. Nicole’s artistic approach blends a variety of historical, dance, and physical theatre influences to craft artistic experiences for all humans.
Nicole majored in Musical Theatre at the Orange County High School of the Arts in Santa Ana, California, and holds a BA in Archaeology and an MA in Applied Anthropology from Cal Poly Humboldt. She also holds an Associate in Arts Degree in Dance from Golden West College and has studied clowning, mime, and commedia dell’arte with David Bridel at The Clown School in Los Angeles.
Her professional background includes work as a field archaeologist, researcher, and archival collections manager for institutions such as the United States Forest Service and Stanford University. Nicole currently works as a faculty member and choreographer at Golden West College.
Nicole is also the founder and artistic director of People Play Dance Theatre, a company that produces play-based movement opportunities for local performing artists in Orange County and beyond.
Dr. Drac
Jean-Pierre Giagnoli
Jean–Pierre Giagnoli is a Los Angeles based Rapper, character actor, scare actor, comedian, impressionist, DJ, host, MC, and Parapsychologist.
Nosferatu-Pac
Gerry Dead
Came back to the living world because it has gone to far off track
Musical background comes from the voices he hears in his head. Which sound like Korn, ICP, NIN, Limp Bizkit, Deftness, Slipknot, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube.
Journey: This is an new project that is up and coming but has a message to be a voice for those who need to find a way to be strong enough to live their life the way that they want to. Live their truth. Find their purpose
Milestones: Has shared the stage with Adema and Otep
Genre: Alternative, industrial Hiphop/Metal
Currently has an album out on all streaming platforms and will soon release a new single along with a music video. His return to the stage will be very soon!
Also, will be trying to reach those who need help finding their voice.
Ghoul Usher
Michael Jon Murphy
Michael Has been Performing on Orange County Stages for over 25 Years. He has Appeared in Numerous Independent Short Film Projects, as well as a Number of Television Series. Michael Frequently Lends his Talents as Fight Choreographer, and Stunt Coordinator to Both Stage and Screen and is More Than Willing to Jump In and Do It All himself. He also Enjoys Make-Up, and Special Make-Up Effects, and Costume Design. When not On Stage, or In Front of a Camera -Michael Loves to Write… Short Stories, Screen and Stage Plays, and Poetry.
Ghoul Usher
Kylie Miller
Kylie has been an immersive actor for several years alongside with her ttrpg experience. She has done live DnD shows like Dice Times and Pick Your Poison Production, as well as portrayed different characters through the seasons at Knotts Berry Farm!
She has a handful experience with different ttrpgs, including DnD, Dread, and Pathfinder over a 7 year period and with so much more coming out soon!
She’s looking forward to returning to Stage Fright Theatre as another character!
Plot Summary
The original spirits of Halloween are back with a brand-new show written exclusively for Midsummer Scream 2026!
The Cobb siblings’ classic monster variety show is being workshopped for a Broadway debut (if they can ever find an affordable theater). This lighthearted production is packed with singing, dancing, comedy, and all the nostalgic charm of vintage Halloween.
Crew
Aaron Buck
- Director
- Co-Writer
- Producer
- Digital Media
Candy Buck
- Producer
- Costumes
- Production Design
- Marketing
Ryan Pena
- Co-Writer
- Sound Design
- Sound Mixing
- Original Music
Nicole Rudder
- Choreography
Stephanie Carta
- Stage manager
Nathaniel Carta
- Digital Media
Makeup Team
Mads Handley
- Cornelius Cobb
- Cyrus Cobb
- Carlisle Cobb
Maddison Bates
- Wig Stylist
- The Bride
Special Thanks To:
Midsummer Scream organizers for giving us this amazing opportunity to perform for you all.
Long Beach Convention Center for providing the venue.
The event 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.
Staged Cinema for providing select costumes.
Mostly Dead.com for providing makeup prosthetics.
Mr. He for loaning us some iconic sheet ghosts.
Happy Crafty Hippie for building some amazing props, crushing Insta with her Audrey II videos, and always warming our hearts with her joy and enthusiasm.
All the vendors near us for putting up with multiple stagings of this show.
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.