34 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 26-JULY 2, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com ON STAGE Tucked among many larger theatrical groups in Monterey County, there is the tiny but growing Soapbox Stageworks. It was created by actor and playwright Karen Devaney, who moved to the Peninsula in 2021, bringing her theater project along. A few years in, Soapbox has a board, a full 2025 season planned and an unwritten agreement with the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts in Carmel to use their black box theater. In return, the group will help with fixing and painting on site. “There are eight of us now,” says Devaney, who is the artistic director of the group. “I’m impressed by how well we collaborate.” For those who haven’t run across a Soapbox production just yet, the upcoming Summer Comedy Kickoff is an opportunity to explore the group’s orientation toward fresh material. The program consists of four short comedy plays by contemporary writers: Break a Leg by Max Jackson, Gentlemen’s Agreement by Rich Rubin, Elephant in the Room by Kacie Michele and Judy’s Place by Devaney herself. The latter tells a story of a beloved bar owner, a Southern diva and “an international kinda woman,” Stella (Devaney), who becomes—along with her bar, Judy’s Place—the very heart of a local community. “I was inspired by those small local spots where regulars come and feel at home and share stories that sometimes they would never share with their own family,” Devaney says, observing that she once met a woman like the character Stella, a Southerner with a certain charm. “She could say ‘go to hell’ and it would still sound so nice,” she adds with a drawl. One day, Stella dies and all her friends gather at the bar, each with a story about how she transformed their lives. Realizing the bar is likely to be bulldozed, they come up with an unlikely plot to save the place. The play is directed by the group’s assistant director Michael Polyard, who also does all the tech work for the Summer Comedy Kickoff. All this is just a beginning. More shows are planned for 2025, such as Summer Sizzlers and Playfest 2025 in the fall. “We are feeling very comfortable,” Devaney says. “People learn about us and our patrons list has doubled since we started.” Summer Comedy Kickoff. 9pm Friday-Saturday, June 27-28; 4:30pm Sunday, June 29. Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, Guadelupe and 4th, Carmel. $35. 624-7491, soapboxstageworks.org. DANIEL DREIFUSS A Bigger Box With its 2025 season, Soapbox Stageworks is playing a growing role in the theater scene. By Agata Popęda Soapbox Stageworks rehearsing Judy’s Place. Left to right: Holly Chiswell as Colleen, Gilbert Wright as Jimmy, Carlos Melendez as Eddie and Toby Rowland-Jones as Jake. INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Saturday & Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’24 Best Appetizers/ Small Plates Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 Best Pizza ’98-’24 OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’24 Best Steak BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM ’24 Best Restaurant in Pacific Grove Wood Fired Pizzas, Burgers, Pasta, salads, sandWiches and more 11:30am mon-Fri, 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 haPPY hour Food & drinK sPecials Sun-Thurs 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’24 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari ’24 BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY! JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 4:30PM TWO HAPPY HOURS DAILY 5-6PM & 8-9PM Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, Monterey, 831-373-3775
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