The Cartells:
A Theatrical Dynasty
Role: Emanuel
Dates: October 16 – November 6, 2006
Location: Drama Dept. / Comix, New York City
In fall 2006, Pedro Pascal appeared as Emanuel in The Cartells: A Theatrical Dynasty, a four part live theatrical soap opera written by Douglas Carter Beane and directed by Carl Andress. Staged by the Drama Dept. at Comix in New York’s Meatpacking District from October 16 to November 6, 2006, the production was a campy, satirical homage to classic prime time soaps like Dynasty and Dallas.
Pedro joined a star studded rotating ensemble that included Joanna Gleason, Peter Frechette, Elizabeth Berkley, Brian D’Arcy James, David Rakoff, and Kristen Schaal. Each week brought a new “episode” with outrageous twists, secret affairs, and over the top drama. In the second installment “Far Above Rubies” Pedro took the stage alongside Gleason and Schaal, with behind the scenes photos capturing his playful energy and sharp comedic timing.
The format was as wild as the storylines with actors receiving their scripts just one week before each performance and rehearsals happening only on the day of the show. This kept the performances fresh, spontaneous, and unpredictable, allowing Pedro to show off not only his stage presence but also his knack for fast paced high camp comedy.
The Cartells was a short run gem in Pedro’s early theatre career, blending satire, improv like immediacy, and the kind of live wire charisma he would later bring to his most famous screen roles.
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