DSquared Productions announces a first for the company. It is teaming up with Fat Chef Cafe (25 Peavine Plaza, approximately 4 miles north of l-40 exit 322 on the right toward Fairfield Glade) for a dinner theater presentation every Monday and Tuesday in June at 6 p.m.
Patty Payne, a DSquared company member, has been looking for a dinner theater production for some time and has found the ideal show to perform at the Fat Chef Cafe, owned by her brother, Jerry Payne. "Barbara's Blue Kitchen," a comedy with music by Lori Fischer, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics, takes place in a small diner in Watertown, TN one summer day from open to close.
Originally written as a tour de force for the author, DSquared's production of "Barbara's Blue Kitchen" will expand the cast to include some of their most talented performers. Rusty McClanahan will play Dickie Brian Hull, the wacky disc jockey at radio station WATR, "where all the songs are original and all the folks listening are one of a kind." His original country flavor songs and commercials include such titles as "Love is Slippery," "I Want My Kidney Back" and "God Allows U-turns."
There's Barbara Jean, played by Patty Payne, who owns her own diner and worries about her bald spot. Patty also plays Jeanette, her new inept waitress who only wants to sell Tupperware and has been Barbara Jean's pen pal since childhood; and Melissa, Barbara Jean's sister, mother of three boys whose husband recently left her.
Pat Kelly will play the roles of Tessie, a lovable senior citizen from the Happiness Home across the street, and Miss Morris, a nurse who is planning a trip to see the pyramids. Other diner characters include Tommy Lee, Melissa's 8-year-old son who has just been bitten by his dog Killer, and Lombardo, the Italian owner of Lombardo's Beauty Emporium who wants to be a country singer and is Barbara Jean's love interest. Both of these roles will be played by Dennis Donald.
Pat, Dennis and Patty will lend their voices to more songs including "Love Coming Through," "Blue Winged Butterfly," "Can You Hear Me?" and "Mom Doesn't Know It." The production will be directed by Patty Payne with musical direction by Rhonda Wallace.
Tickets for "Barbara's Blue Kitchen" are $25 which includes dinner, a choice of beverage, dessert, show, and tax (tip not included) and may be purchased only at the Fat Chef Cafe (456-8171). Reservations are required — Patty or Alice Payne will be at the Fat Chef to take reservations Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Come be surprised by the fun and quirky characters of "Barbara's Blue Kitchen" every Monday and Tuesday in June at 6 p.m. at the Fat Chef Cafe on Peavine Road.
Lifestyles
Dinner theater comes to Cumberland County
- Lifestyles
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The River WILD!
The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River winds its way through the 125,000 acres of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area before flowing into the Cumberland River and Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. It’s a free-flowing river, with no dams to control release of the water, but the scenery and the magnificent rock formations make it a favorite of paddling enthusiasts who watch the weather to see if they can get out and explore areas that are hard to reach by foot.
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Farmer's Market opens for business June 2
The Cumberland County Farmer’s Market will officially open the growing season as it has every year since 1978. This year’s “opening” will be Saturday, June 2, at the traditional location on Livingston Rd., next to the fairgrounds. Selling will begin early (6:30 a.m. or so), although some vendors may set up a few hours later in order to provide the freshest vegetables picked just that morning. There is usually a good selection until well after noon.
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Around the Town: Children's letters to God
I received the cutest e-mail earlier this week and could not resist sharing it with Chronicle readers. The email contains a list of letters that children have written to God. I found them to be quite hilarious and feel sure you will as well. Please pardon the spelling as the notes were typed as the children wrote them:
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Cookbook sale benefits nutrition program
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) is currently selling cookbooks as a fundraiser to benefit the Nutrition Program for older adults and adults with disabilities.
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Crab Orchard DAR chapter hands out awards
Joe White, Cumberland County Korean War Veteran, was honored as the recipient of the prestigious Community Service Award by The Crab-Orchard Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution at its annual Awards Dinner on Thursday evening, April 20, at the Art Circle Public Library community room.
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Seniors plan day of fun, games
The 127 South Seniors met May 18 for bingo, dominos, coffee, sweets and conversation. Buckeye Home Health furnished the gifts and Arlene Simmons and Wendell Lester called the numbers.
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Marriage licenses
Published May 23, 2012.
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Memorial Day ceremony set
The Cumberland County Veterans Council will sponsor a Memorial Day Ceremony May 28 at the Cumberland County Veterans Memorial Park. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. with the Cumberland County Band performing, flag/colors presentation, an incredible singer, guest speakers and a special key-note speaker.
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Plateau Gardening: Make Plateau Discovery Gardens your information destination
Most home gardeners enjoy learning about plants and are all ears when new yard and garden techniques are discussed. If this description fits you, plan to attend the upcoming 2012 Classes at the Gardens series hosted by the Cumberland County Master Gardeners at Plateau Discovery Gardens on the grounds of the University of Tennessee Plateau AgResearch and Education Center next to the main office (320 Experiment Station Rd.; telephone, 484-0034).
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Pleasant Hill Ramblings: Spring Festival celebrates inaugural event
After six weeks of rainstorms missing the town, Saturday morning dawned with a drizzly rain, needed, but not that day. Always optimistic, the volunteers went to work setting up the festival, and by the 10 a.m. starting time, there was no more rain. The PH Ensemble, led by Bob Savage, began the day with a variety of melodies.
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