Andrea Molberg
For the first time, SaddleBrooke’s theatre troupe Community Circle Players (CCP) is offering two different dinner theatre productions this season—one in November and another next March. There’s no doubt that folks will be lined up when tickets go on sale Oct. 1 for the autumn performances.
The November show, Cookin’ With Gus, written by Jim Brochu and produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., is a hilarious comedy about Gussie, a famous food columnist and cookbook author, who has been offered her own daily network television show but is terrified of speaking in front of the camera. To cure her stage-fright, her husband tries hypnotism, her agent employs threats, and her gypsy neighbor casts spells.
The antics, which even include a full-blown food fight, will serve up lots of fun for the dinner theatre goers. Audiences will be dining at round tables in half-moon seating with six to a table and everyone comfortably facing the stage.
The menu is straight out of Gussie’s cookbook (or at least those items mentioned in the play) and includes grilled shrimp skewer with margarita butter for an appetizer, chicken pesto with roasted red pepper relish, angel hair pasta and grilled zucchini and coffee chocolate chip gelato with almond biscotti for dessert, plus rolls and butter and coffee or tea. There will also be vegetarian options available for appetizers and entrees. The bar opens at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and the show starting at 6:00 p.m.
CCP’s Cookin’ With Gus performances are Nov. 11 through 17 at SaddleBrooke TWO’s MountainView ballroom stage. Tickets, which include dinner, are $49 tickets and are available beginning Oct. 1 at the SaddleBrooke TWO administration building.
CCP’s co-founder, Shawne Cryderman, is directing the fall show with Judi Brauns producing. Cast members are CCP co-founder, Susan Sterling, as Gussie; community theatre veterans Tim Morsani, as Gussie’s complacent husband; JP Blount, taking on the part of Gussie’s agent; and Connie Ward, playing the wacky next-door neighbor. Contact Shawne Cryderman with any questions at [email protected] or Judi Brauns at [email protected].