by April Helms

Special Products Editor

Western Reserve Playhouse fired up its summer season with "Cookin' With Gus," which officially opened June 6.

This opening course is a rather bizarre comedy, made palatable by a very good cast. Gussie Richardson (played by Kathy Turk) is a famous chef and syndicated food columnist, happy with her career and her life with Walter Richardson (played by Marc Dusini). Walter, however, is not quite so happy. He wants to see their living arrangements made official by a wedding ring. Another obstacle to Walter's dream seems to present itself when acronym-spouting Bernie Luskin (played by Walt Kaminski), Gussie's agent, comes in with an offer to do a regular television cooking show. Gussie decides to pair up with her neighbor Carmen (played by Amy Pelleg), an eccentric gypsy with a fondness for prophecies and Cognac.

There is one hitch: Gussie is terrified of cameras and having herself taped. Will Walter use his skills of hypnotism to help her overcome her fear, or will he use this fear to his advantage in getting his coveted trip down the aisle?

Jim Volkert, who last directed "Everybody Loves Opal" at WRP, returns as director.

Ticket and show information

"Cookin' With Gus" runs through June 21. The production runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. from June 6 until June 21 with one Sunday performance June 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults; and $13 for students and seniors. Season tickets are $30.

WRP season

The theater's next production will be the musical "Bye, Bye, Birdie" directed by R. Scott Posey who just directed the musical "1776" at Tri-C. The musical director for "Birdie" will be Ron Hazelett, Rena Alessio Baker is the choreographer and Laurel Held Posey will be the costumer. "Birdie" will run four weekends from July 25 until Aug. 16.

The season closer will be the mystery "Night Watch" directed by Jonathan Kronenberger, playing from Sept. 12 through the 27. Auditions for "Night Watch" will be July 13 at 2 p.m. and July 14 at 7 p.m.

There also will be two performances of "The Hobbit" on June 27 and 28, the culmination of a series of teen summer theater classes. Call the theater for details.

All performances and auditions will be at the theater, 3326 Everett Road in Bath at the Bath/Richfield township lines in Summit County. For details or reservations, call 330-620-7314.

E-mail: ahelms@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3153