White Bird Productions
presents
COOKING WITH LARD
By CINDY HANSON and CHERYL NORRIS
HERE Arts Center, March 13 – April 3, 2004
www.here.org, www.whitebirdproductions.org
Directed by PAUL MULLINS
Sets DAVID EVANS MORRIS
Costumes KELLY HANSON
Lighting JULIET CHIA
Sound JASON FITZGERALD
Stage Manager MARCI SKOLNICK
Press Representation SPRINGER ASSOCIATES
Cast
Cindy Hanson – Gerry, Eloise, Irene
Lorrie Harrison – Betty June, Belinda, Margie, Inez
Bijou Clinger – Addie, Francis, Lilene, Bingo Announcer
Kathryn Dickinson – Dana, Lomalee, Mozelle, Darla, El Rita
White Bird Productions’ presentation of Cindy Hanson and Cheryl Norris’ COOKING WITH LARD is a wholly satisfying experience. Featuring a fine and versatile cast, scenes that range from endearing to thoughtful to funny, and the kind of quiet common sense we could all use more of, the entirety of the evening left me smiling (as a vegetarian of 24 years, lard is a concept I normally take very seriously).
Set in and about a Texas diner, COOKING WITH LARD is not so much about food for consumption as it is necessary food for thought. As we meet the characters, including a Girl Scout, a picketing vegetarian, the diner staff, a smothering mother, some older ladies, a young attorney, bingo players and cheerleaders, we realize that each weaves a separate thread into the tapestry of the grander tale being revealed. These are small town denizens, and they fill in the blanks of one another’s stories, just by virtue of being neighbors. As scenes change, the story continues, but from a different point of view.
I enjoyed COOKING WITH LARD. The actors moved me, the story was relatable, and I especially coveted one particular hand-crafted hat. This is not a play to explain in detail. It is one to urge audiences to attend. That means you!
- Kessa De Santis -