The Cook -- By Eduardo Machado

The Cook, By Eduardo Machado

Seattle Repertory Theatre

Ticket Office: (206) 443-2222

http://www.seattlerep.org/

155 Mercer St. Seattle, WA 98109


The Cook
By Eduardo Machado
Directed by Juliette Carrillo
November 7 – December 1, 2007

The Cook is a touching and heartbreaking tale of a woman set on a mission to protect the beautiful house of her mistress during the Cuban revolution. Eduardo Machado’s beautiful script is powerful and pithy, and captures the soul of Cuba in three breathtaking acts.

The Rep’s production is an amazing display of color and character. The set alone makes one yearn for Cuba and her tamales, with its vibrant colors and perfect design. The lighting was likewise as exact and emitted the hot equator sun and the musical selection went perfectly with the times and convinced the audience of a glimpse into the past.

L-R) Al Espinosa as Carlos and Zabryna Guevara as Gladys, the cook, in Eduardo Machado’s The Cook, directed by Juliette Carrillo. The Cook plays in the Bagley Wright Theatre until December 1. Photos copyright Chris Bennion, 2007.

The production stars Zabryna Guevara who originated the part of Gladys in New York in 2003. She and her fellow actors produced a very good show with very little grievances, but when the deep conflict of the story reared its head this ensemble shined. As the story progressed so did the actor’s chemistry and ability.

Two intermissions interrupt the story but do more to pass the time quickly and make the show seem shorter rather than interfere with the verisimilitude. The direction and staging was effective and engaging, the script was emotionally wrenching with a firm political message, and the overall production was terrific to experience, appropriate for all adults of all backgrounds.