The Mid-Ohio Valley Players Junior Players are bringing laughter back to Marietta with their production of “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens,” a hilarious play that was eagerly awaited after a postponement. At the heart of this quirky comedy is the character of Dr. Evil, a role brought to life with impressive comedic timing by young actress Anna Crock. But Who Plays Doctor Evil in this production, and what makes her portrayal so captivating?
Anna Crock embodies the mischievous and somewhat hapless villain, Dr. Evil, with infectious energy. In “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens,” Dr. Evil isn’t your typical world-dominating mastermind. He’s concocted a Thermal Ray to threaten Cleveland, but his plans are hilariously derailed by an unexpected arrival – a basket of adorable kittens. The play explores the comedic conflict between Dr. Evil’s villainous aspirations and his unexpected soft spot for the fluffy felines. Anna Crock perfectly captures this duality, portraying Dr. Evil’s frustrated evil schemes and his comical attempts to hide his burgeoning affection for the kittens from the critical Council of Evil.
Anna Crock as Dr. Evil hides from the Council of Evil
Image: Anna Crock in costume as Dr. Evil, peering cautiously as if hiding from the Council of Evil, highlighting her comedic role in “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens”.
According to Anna, embracing the role of Dr. Evil was a fun transformation. “I basically turned into Dr. Evil,” she shared, highlighting her connection with the character’s personality. This enthusiasm translates directly to her performance, making her Dr. Evil both funny and relatable, despite his villainous ambitions. Audiences are sure to be charmed by Crock’s portrayal of this iconic, albeit slightly softer, villain.
The play itself, “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens,” promises a whirlwind of comedic chaos. Adding to the hilarity are characters like Shirley, Dr. Evil’s wacky assistant played by Bridget Crock, and the narration provided by Mary Shelley, portrayed by Dorothy Evalena Clark. The plot thickens with multiple baskets of kittens, a mummified mother, a vampire mother, and a family of werehyenas next door, ensuring a non-stop laugh riot.
The Council of Evil gathers to witness the unveiling of Dr. Evil’s thermal ray
Image: The Council of Evil cast members in “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens” are assembled on stage, showcasing the anticipation and humorous setup of the play.
Josephine Myers adds to the comedic ensemble as Shirley’s “mummy,” further emphasizing the play’s quirky and imaginative nature. This production marks a welcome return for the Junior Players after their 2021 show was unfortunately postponed. Co-director Nicholas Rake expressed his excitement about introducing a new generation to theater, and the enthusiasm is palpable in the energetic performances of the young cast.
Josephine Myers is Shirley’s “mummy” in "Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens"
Image: Josephine Myers as Shirley’s “mummy” character in “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens”, highlighting the play’s use of comedic and fantastical characters.
For those wondering who plays Doctor Evil and seeking a fun-filled family outing, “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens” presented by the Mid-Ohio Valley Players Junior Players is the perfect choice. Anna Crock’s hilarious portrayal of Dr. Evil, combined with the play’s whimsical plot and talented young cast, guarantees an entertaining theatrical experience.
Shirley, played by Bridget Crock, is Dr. Evil’s assistant in "Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens"
Image: Bridget Crock as Shirley, Dr. Evil’s assistant, in a comical pose, emphasizing the lighthearted and humorous tone of “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens”.
Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are affordably priced at $10 and can be purchased online at midohiovalleyplayers.com or at the box office. Don’t miss the chance to see Anna Crock as Dr. Evil and the entire cast in this delightful and quirky production!
The werehyena family in "Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens"
Image: The family of werehyenas, played by Noelle Smith, Kristin Lantz, Maxin Bauer, Imagin Daly, and Josh McClung, in “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens”, showcasing the play’s ensemble cast and whimsical creature characters.
