Begin with a cleverly written script, a seasoned director, two
masterful veteran female actors and a former Gilroyan who was
bitten by the theater bug in high school, add a dash of outrageous
costumes and a pinch of spicy dialogue, stir in a few ad-libs,
sprinkle everything and everyone with flour, turn it all out on
stage, and you have one very entertaining theater serving.
Begin with a cleverly written script, a seasoned director, two masterful veteran female actors and a former Gilroyan who was bitten by the theater bug in high school, add a dash of outrageous costumes and a pinch of spicy dialogue, stir in a few ad-libs, sprinkle everything and everyone with flour, turn it all out on stage, and you have one very entertaining theater serving.
“Kitchen Witches” is Pintello Comedy Theater’s next hilarious production. Director Whitney Pintello calls it a sort of “Iron Chef” challenge complete with guest celebrity judges who will actually taste the food. Pintello, who is also a skilled artist and masterful set designer, will transform the Gilroy Grange Hall on Swanston Lane into a television studio where the audience will watch master chefs Dolly Biddle, played by Ruth E. Stein, and Busy Izzy Lomax, played by Rosalind Farotte, demonstrate their cooking expertise. (If you plan to sit near the stage better wear your apron!)
Those of us who have tasted Farotte’s culinary treats know she shines in the kitchen. The question is, can Stein match her skills? For a hint about the antics on stage, the actresses have likened their parts to Martha Stewart and Jerry Springer. Can you guess which is which?
Farotte and Stein promise to be a real treat for the audience. Although they each have a long list of stage credits and have known each other for 30 years, this will be their first time interacting with each other on stage. I asked them how they feel about performing together. Ruth E. said, “I’m thrilled as all get out to do a show with Roz.” Roz said, “I’ve waited a long time to love to hate Ruth E. on stage.” Rumor has it that they are having a ball at rehearsals and can’t wait to show each other their outrageous costume ideas.
Rounding out the cast is Jeff Patereau, who plays the neurotic Stephen Biddle, Dolly’s son and the director and producer of the cooking show. Patereau’s drive to and from Newman, where he lives, was a bit lonely so he brought along his 17-year-old son, C.J., for companionship. As it turned out, C.J., who is headed for a major in theater arts, was just what Pintello needed to fill the roll of the camera man. He only has one line, but C.J. is a on stage throughout the entire show.
Pintello was quick to express her pleasure with the cast and show. “Working with a small cast of theater veterans and friends doesn’t feel like work. The entire process is a collaboration and I’ve never had to fret before a rehearsal,” she said.
“Kitchen Witches” opens April 15, a good night to relax after finalizing your taxes! The April 16 performance will be a benefit for Brownell School, with $5 of every ticket sold going to the school’s band.
You can view paintings by Whitney Pintello this month at the Gilroy Center for the Arts. The exhibit, Finestra Rustica, will feature her popular paintings under glass. There is a reception for the artist from 3 to 6 p.m. April 9.
Also at the Center on April 9 is the Gilroy Arts Alliance’s Bring-Your-Own-Dinner Concert with Dr. Zarcon’s Breathing Machine, Incredible Jug Band. The concert will feature traditional jug music, bluegrass and blues in the style of Bessie Smith and Cab Calloway, with vocals by Donna Federico.
Many have asked for the return of the Gilroy Divos and Divas and here it is! The May 7 concert, “On Broadway” will feature the talents of Beverly Blount, Carol Harris, Alan Hoshida, Patti Lemon, Sandra Marlowe, Karen McConachie, Paul Myrvold, Don “Elvis” Prieto, Phil Robb, Ted Sanchez and The Martan Mann Trio. A benefit for the GAA, the evening will include a silent and live auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine and a no host bar.
The arts community recently lost a great friend and supporter with the passing of Kermit DeLaurant. A retired educator, he was also a poet and writer of short stories, an avid photographer, a lover of Baroque music and a singer. As the sole male on the Art and Culture Commission from 2001 to 2004, he served as chair of the commission and joked that he enjoyed being “among the divas.” His larger-than-life personality, his booming voice and his laugh are truly missed by everyone who knew him.
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APRIL EVENTS
– ‘Alice in Wonderland, Jr.’
April 8, 9, 15, 16 at 7:30 p.m.; April 9, 10, 16 at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $7
Gilroy High School Theater
Details: (408) 846-0449 or Ti*****************@ya***.com
– “Kitchen Witches”
April 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, May 6, 7 at 8 p.m.; May 1 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $18
8191 Swanston Lane, Gilroy
Details: (408) 337-1599 or pi******@ch*****.net
– Finestra Rustica, Art Exhibit
Through April, free
Reception 3 to 6 p.m. April 9
Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St., Gilroy
– Film Night with Mattie & Nils Independent Films & Discussion
April 21, 7p.m., $5
Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St., Gilroy
Details: (408) 842-6999
– The Amazing Dr. Zarcon’s Breathing Machine and Incredible Jug Band
Bring-Your-Own Dinner Concert
Doors open at 6:30, Show at 8 p.m. April 9
$18
7341 Monterey St., Gilroy
Details: Kevin at (408) 472-3292
– Divos/Divas “On Broadway”
May 7, Doors open at 6:30, Show at 7:30 p.m.
La Vigna Event center, Hecker Pass Winery
Details: (408) 842-6999
