By the Sea Productions brings two comedies to the Morro Bay stage

By Staff Report · Fri Aug 14 2026

Community theater company continues its season with the murder mystery spoof The Butler Did It through Aug. 9, followed by a Labor Day weekend staged reading of Lauren Gunderson's political comedy The Taming

Local theater lovers have two opportunities to enjoy live comedy this season as By the Sea Productions presents its current production, The Butler Did It, followed by a special one-weekend staged reading of The Taming over Labor Day weekend.

Currently on stage through Aug. 9, The Butler Did It is a fast-paced comedy by playwright Tim Kelly that playfully spoofs the classic murder mystery genre. Directed by Samvel Gottlieb, the production follows a group of mystery writers invited to a secluded island mansion, where they are instructed to take on the personas of their fictional detective heroes. When a storm traps the guests and a murder takes place, they must put their sleuthing skills to the test to uncover the killer.

The cast features Laura Richie as the mansion's hostess, Jenn Beck and Nicki Butler as members of the household staff, and Rick Bruce, Kira Dobson, Wren Hall, Christian Henry, Tim Linzey, Amanda Robinson, and Landen Scott as the mansion's colorful collection of mystery writers.

Performances are held Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. at St. Peter's by the Sea Church, 545 Shasta Ave. in Morro Bay. Tickets are $30, plus applicable service fees. Seating is general admission, and reservations are recommended.

Following the conclusion of The Butler Did It, By the Sea Productions will present a one-weekend staged reading of Lauren Gunderson's acclaimed political comedy The Taming from Sept. 4-6.

Directed by Jean Miller, the all-female political farce centers on three very different women—a beauty pageant queen, a conservative political aide, and a liberal blogger—who find themselves unexpectedly locked together in a hotel room. As their unlikely alliance unfolds, the trio attempts to rewrite the U.S. Constitution, resulting in a witty and fast-moving exploration of compromise, political polarization, and the enduring challenges of democracy. The play also includes a humorous flashback to the Constitution's original drafting, highlighting the spirited debates and competing agendas that shaped the nation.

Performances of The Taming will be held at 545 Shasta Ave. in Morro Bay on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Reservations are recommended for both productions and may be made by calling (805) 776-3287 or visiting bytheseaproductions.org.

By the Sea Productions continues its mission of bringing quality community theater to the Central Coast with a diverse lineup of productions that blend comedy, creativity, and engaging storytelling for audiences of all ages.