Audiences are in for a recipe of fun and laughter with Rock Island Players’ The Kitchen Witches, set in a kitchen upon Texada Island Community Hall’s stage in Gillies Bay.
Written by Canadian playwright Caroline Smith, the comedy won the Samuel French Canada new play award in 2005.
“The spicy stew starts to simmer when two long-time TV food show rivals are forced to cook together on the same program,” said director Peter Lock in a press release announcing the play.
A love of cooking is shared by Dolly (Babcha) Biddle and Isobel (Busy Izzy) Lomax. However, they despise each other. Caught in the middle is Larry Biddle, who dated Izzy but married Dolly.
“The insults are slung at a brisk pace as the wickedly wacky divas brew up laughs and more,” said Peter.
Trying hard to keep control of the situation is Stephen, a frazzled station manager, helped by Robin, a “street kid” doing duty as stage crew and cameraman.
“This is a play about relationships,” said Peter. “Amid the belly laughs are heart-warming moments of acceptance and reconciliation.”
Veteran actors Dawn Hughes and Mary Lock “slice and dice” the dialogue as duelling divas, while Dylan Gable plays the all suffering Stephen. Holly Braak, who debuted last year in Bus Stop, plays Robin.
Rock Island Players was founded in 1963 and has produced a yearly dramatic offering since 1992. In addition to dramas and comedies, the company has presented melodramas, mysteries and a radio play. “We like to stage plays that we think will be popular with our audience,” said Peter. “This one should be a winner.”
The play runs 7 to 8:30 pm Thursday and Friday, May 29 and 30, and 6:30 to 8 pm Saturday, May 31. Doors open 30 minutes before show starts. Tickets are $10, $7 for seniors and students, available at the door. Intermission dessert selections will be provided by Texada Guides.
Due to the new BC Ferries schedule, Powell River patrons will get a chance to see this latest production on Saturday, May 31, when The Kitchen Witches starts early at 6:30 pm. Attendees can catch the 4:15 pm ferry to Blubber Bay and easily return to Westview on the 9 pm sailing. There is no Powell River ferry connection after the shows on Thursday or Friday.
For more information, readers can call Peter at 604.486.7670. “You’ll never have so much fun in the kitchen,” he said.
