‘Never After Happily’
Family friendly comedy premieres on the NCRT stage
“Never After Happily” — a comedy being performed at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Eureka over the next few weekends — is about what happens to wellknown fairy tale characters after the “happily ever after” — from Snow White and Chicken Little to Jack in the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and more.
“The play, although definitely family friendly and fun for kids because of the silliness and commotion on stage, as well as all the fairy tale characters … will resonate with adults,” said Director Scott “Q” Marcus (whose “Striving for ‘Imprefection’” column runs Sundays in the Times-Standard).
“Overall,” he noted, “it’s about how one deals with the disappointment and setbacks one can experience as s/he gets older and realizes that ‘happily ever after’ doesn’t exist as we thought. In effect, what is the true meaning of happiness as we age?”
“Never After Happily” — celebrating its world premiere at NCRT — was written by Hollywood playwright Cindy Marcus (Marcus’ sister). The show kicks off on Valentine’s Day (Tuesday) with a pre-opening fundraising performance for the Community Access Project for Eureka (CAPE). This benefit production takes place at 8 p.m. at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 300 Fifth St. in Eureka. Tickets are available to purchase at www.NCRT.net or by calling 707-442-6278. Special pricing for this event is $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
The show officially opens at 8 p.m. on Friday and runs over two weekends. (Two 2 p.m. matinees are planned for Feb. 18 and 19 and on Feb. 24 and 25, performances start at 8 p.m. The closing show is Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.) Masks are recommended at all shows. To purchase tickets for any of the performances, go to https://ncrt.net/.
“This was originally a project that Scott pitched to me late last year,” said Calder Johnson, NCRT managing artistic director. “His sister was going to be in town. (She is) very active in theater and film down in LA, and he thought this production would be a very fun and family friendly way to do a ‘soft-opening’ for our season, and I agreed. Scott’s son is also now involved backstage, so it’s turned into a fully family affair.”
Marcus added, “I’ve wanted to direct a play for a while now and when Calder was open to the idea, I started looking for something that could fit. At the same time, my sister, who has written and published literally dozens of plays over decades, had written this one. I read it. I thought it was really funny and sweet.
“I then reached out to the people I’ve worked with over the years who I really admire, and was so pleasantly surprised by their reactions. It’s my dream cast — the creme of Humboldt County theater,” Marcus said. “As we went forward, Cindy’s husband, her partner in writing, who has also written, directed and appeared in several plays … came up to help. Between the two of them, the direction is fast, humorous and delightful.”
A percentage of proceeds from Tuesday’s performance will be used specifically for CAPE’s initiative to develop a free music and arts program that will target children residing at local shelters, including those served by the Betty Chinn Homeless Foundation.
The Community Access Project for Eureka was developed by the city of Eureka’s Community Services Department in 2016. Its goal is to provide access to quality-oflife programs and opportunities for all members of the community regardless of their living situation or income. The Community Access Project for Eureka’s other youthoriented initiatives are the annual Halloween costume drive and giveaway, “Shop with a Cop” and the holiday winter gift program. (For more information about CAPE, call Social Services coordinator Sierra Wood at 707-672-2253.)
“Scott also works for the city of Eureka, so that’s the initial point of contact (for the fundraiser), and NCRT also has a long and warm relationship with the city, who’s been very supportive over the years,” Johnson said. “And yes, it’s important to us that NCRT is involved with these sorts of benefits for other community organizations — it builds relationships and gives back to the community who’s given so much to us.”
Marcus — media coordinator for the city of Eureka’s Community Services Department — said, “As for CAPE, it was important for me, being part of this community, to find a way to give back. I considered several entities but realized that, especially since I work for the city, I’d like to find an organization attached to the city. CAPE was the perfect answer.”
Sierra Wood — homeless services coordinator with the city of Eureka — said that CAPE has offered a variety of children’s programming since its conception, many of which were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s been exciting to see more and more community events start up again,” Wood said. “‘Never After Happily’ is a great opportunity for people to see the amazing artistic talent within our community, while supporting the continuation of these talents in the younger generation.”
North Coast Rep has also given 20 free tickets to the show to families served by the Betty Chinn Homeless Foundation, Wood said.