I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard.
For two straight hours, my body seemed to have an out-of-body experience.
I hadn’t taken any happy pills or enjoyed a cocktail, but once the sold-out comedy show began June 16 at Carpinteria’s historic Alcazar Theatre, something wonderful happened.
My body seemed to say, “I’d forgotten what it feels like to laugh.”
Like many people, I’ve spent far too much time watching 24-hour cable news. This was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Looking around the theater, I realized I wasn’t alone. Every face reflected the same thing — pure joy.
I also found myself asking another question: Why haven’t I been coming to The Alcazar more often?
I attended as the guest of my friend, actor, producer and writer Tim Stack, who invited me to experience the theater’s monthly “Too Funny Tuesday” comedy series.
Stack summed it up perfectly.
“While there is no comedy presence in Santa Barbara, little Carp is packing the house on ‘Too Funny Tuesday’ at The Alcazar,” he told Noozhawk.
This particular evening featured Greg Garcia — Emmy Award-winning creator of My Name Is Earl, Raising Hope and Yes, Dear — along with comedians Lachlan Patterson and headliner Greg Warren.
The laughter never stopped.
Located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave., The Alcazar has quietly become one of the South Coast’s most vibrant performing arts venues.
Operated by the nonprofit Carpinteria Community Theatre Inc., the historic theater hosts live music, stand-up comedy, classic films, plays, improv classes, children’s programming and community events throughout the year.
“The Alcazar prides itself on serving as a local resource that brings all types of performing arts to the community,” operations and development director Lynn Herrell said.
“Our goal is to inspire appreciation for the performing arts and create lasting memories.”
That mission is working.
Donations have helped fund advanced sound and projection systems, the Carpinteria Film Festival, drama camps, live theater productions and a growing lineup of concerts and comedy shows.
A capital campaign is underway to raise $98,000 in celebration of the theater’s 98th anniversary.
The building itself is part of the attraction.
Originally opened in1928 as The Alcazar — Spanish for “The Palace” — the Spanish Colonial-style theater has also operated under the names Ritz, Del Mar, Trade Winds and Plaza.
Designed by J.W. Young for actor Oliver Bettle Prickett, better known as Oliver Blake, it opened during Hollywood’s golden age, welcoming stars that included Bebe Daniels and Warner Oland.
Today, its vintage marquee still lights up Carpinteria Avenue, surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops and local businesses just steps from Linden Avenue.
Upcoming events include a Van Halen tribute concert on July 4 — a festive alternative in a town without fireworks — and a one-man performance by actor Maxwell Caulfield, known for Grease 2, Empire Records, Dynasty and numerous Broadway productions.
As the lights dimmed and the smell of fresh popcorn filled the theater, I was reminded that there’s still something magical about gathering with hundreds of strangers to share the same experience.
Sometimes that experience is a great movie.
Sometimes it’s live music.
And sometimes, it’s simply remembering how good it feels to laugh.
MORE JUDY FOREMAN
