'D.K. Molar - The Devious Dentist,' 'Godspell' take the stage at Harbor, Aurora

New productions from local community theaters, Harbor Playhouse and Aurora Arts Theatre, are taking the stage in Corpus Christi.

"D.K. Molar - The Devious Dentist" opened at Harbor Playhouse last Friday, while Aurora Arts Theatre opened "Godspell" Friday.

Mason Todd, director of the former, said it's the first time Harbor Playhouse has put on a "straight play" — a production that is not a musical — since before the COVID-19 pandemic onset of 2020.

"The play is about this dentist who has this nefarious scheme of stealing people's gold crowns and melting them down and cashing them in," Todd said. "He unfortunately hires a receptionist, Flossy Dailey, who comes in and foils his scheme. Chaos ensues with a lot of physical comedy."

Philip Ridley plays the titular role of the despicable dentist. He said he auditioned for the role because he knows playing a villain is fun and challenging.

"He's a womanizer and very evil," Ridley said. "He knows what he wants and will do anything in his power to get it. I can't relate that much to him, but that's a good thing."

Flossy Dailey is portrayed by Kristina Price, who moved to Corpus Christi from Los Angeles in August 2023. Price said she was worried there would be no community theater in town when she moved but was relieved to know there were a couple.

"Community theater is so important because it reflects a very diverse group of people and gives a voice to people who may not have one," Price said. "You can see people on TV and film, but community theater is so much smaller and intimate. It's a close-knit family. We all just met not that long ago and it's great to feel so comfortable together."

Over at Aurora Arts Theatre, director Peter Lopez is putting together "Godspell" - a musical about a group of people who help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing.

Lopez said the play was one of the first productions the theater put on 12 years ago. He said the cast for "Godspell" is phenomenal and he is excited for people to enjoy themselves.

Jonathon Alvarez take on the role of Judas, the betrayer. Alvarez said community theater helped him grow out of his shell and helped bring out his artistic side.

Zach Campa portrays the role of Jesus Christ. Like Price, Campa is from Los Angeles and then made the trek to Austin before moving down to the Sparkling City by the Sea.

Campa said his character embodies love, speaks the truth, is brave, direct and good.

"Regardless if you're religious or not, anyone can learn from this play," Campa said. "Take away the dogma and what you believe and learn what it means to love and go through challenges."

If you go

WHAT: "D.K. Molar - The Devious Dentist"

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 19 through Sunday, Feb. 11; Friday and Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees

WHERE: Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St.

COST: $10-$20, harborplayhouse.com

WHAT: "Godspell"

WHEN: Friday through Saturday, Mar. 9; Friday and Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees

WHERE: Aurora Arts Theatre, 5635 Everhart Road

COST: $20, auroraartstheatre.com

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or X @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Community theater: 'D.K. Molar - The Devious Dentist,' 'Godspell'