Food Confessions

The pithy fun and silly nature of Food Confessions currently on stage at the Rubicon offers an ample serving of easy-to-view entertainment and is worth biting into.

Lighthearted and abbreviated nights out are getting harder and harder to find. In this era of the three hour, three part, cinematic adventure and the epic, sprawling theatrical spectacles designed to compete with such film trilogies, we have become trapped in a cycle of entertainment that demands a massive commitment of our hearts, minds, and even more precious, our time. However, the Rubicon’s current offering, Food Confessions, is a pleasant departure from other such all-consuming productions.

Food Confessions is a one act play made up of short, skit-like vignettes, and served up a la a five course meal of entertainment. The performers, all clothed in black, play multiple characters and differentiate each persona with the addition of accoutrement befitting each new character. Author/performer Nancy Nufer provides a script that demands high energy performances in order to succeed and she gets that and then some from Dan Gunther and Kara Revel. Gunther’s able handling and delineation of numerous characters was a delight and Kara Revel provided craft charisma and continuity with her recurring role as the Mac and Cheese Girl. The able ensemble works well together and, during the show, remain onstage regardless of scene involvement. When not engaged in the story, the actors become a sort of living background in the style of east coast readers’ theatre. Jenny Sullivan’s direction quickens the pace and keeps the entertainment quirky and fun. The technical elements are what we have come to expect from the Rubicon over recent years, with lights and sound that befit the space. Like the strong lighting design, the whimsical, cartoonish set accentuated the comic tone of the show as well as the desired feel for the evening.

The interludes of the show were a highlight, as the actors repeatedly came together to sing a well-known song with altered lyrics that focused the subject on a different food item for each tune. The friendly audience eagerly devoured these cutesy transitions, and the levity of the show benefited from the rhythmic through line. Family fun was had by all and the simple and enjoyable nature of the show made for a nice appetizer to what is sure to be an exciting season for the Rubicon this year.

Food Confessions runs at the Rubicon in Ventura until Feb 24th. http://www.rubicontheatre.org/