“Five Alarm”, a world premiere by Kristen Da Silva, brings to the Port Stanley Theatre stage a chili cook-off in a rural community. As the sauce simmers, bitter rivaly, mystery and zany comedy come to a rolling boil.
Ava Rose (Danielle Nicole) daughter of the man for whom the Wayne Rose Memorial Chili Cook Off is named is on an earnest quest to recreate her father's winning chili. The delightfully ditzy Ellen (Franny McCabe-Bennett) explains her bumpy past, “I’ve seldom met a loser I didn’t love.” She needs a friend and has offered to be Ava’s assistant although her particular food prep experience, it turns out, really doesn’t cut it. Tucker (Jeffrey Wetsch), a “Cordon Blue” chef is assisting Ava’s bitter rival Connie but idolizes Rose and develops a crush on Ellen. Connie (Jane Spence) oozes meanness with amazing effectiveness. And Caleb is pursuing his journalism dream with a start as a radio announcer, although public speaking may not be his strong suit.
The histories of four of the characters are intertwined and the dialogue nicely reveals the connections between them, helps to create many humorous moments and gives each individual interesting dimension. One can imagine that these five seasoned actors, along with Director Simon Joynes had a lot of fun in bringing them to life.
The set by Joshua Quinlan is noteworthy – it’s visually appealing, unique and adds nicely to the show.
The hilight of Five Alarm is the wonderful, often mesmerizing facial expressions each actor brings to portraying the emotions and predicaments of their character. I would look forward to seeing future performances by any of the five.
The hilight of Five Alarm is the wonderful, often mesmerizing facial expressions each actor brings to portraying the emotions and predicaments of their character. I would look forward to seeing future performances by any of the five.
“Five Alarm” continues to August 12th. For more information visit www.portstanleytheatre.ca.