Under the direction of Henry Godinez, the cast of The Cook takes the audience on a rollercoaster of joy and sorrow, love and hate, strength and weakness. Tender moments are interspersed with periods of rage; and the actors portray these emotions believably with a touch of humor thrown in to lighten things up. Unfortunately, during some of the quiet moments, things become a little too quiet, and it is difficult to hear what is being said.
Beginning on New Years Eve 1958, playwright Eduardo Machado introduces us to The Cook, Gladys (Karen Aldridge). Gladys’ employer, the aristocratic Adria Saldana (Maricela Ochoa) must flee from the revolutionary uprising of Fidel Castro. As she goes into exile, Adria makes Gladys promise to keep the Saldana home safe for the family’s return.
While the play does touch on the effects of the beginning of the Cuban Communist revolution, it is then transported ahead 12 years and then 40 years as sound designers, Ray Nardelli and Andre Pluess, skillfully ease us into the future, with the transition of radio broadcasts updating the political events of the time. The single set, a kitchen designed by Todd Rosenthal, does not change very much over the 40 years, although there are things that Gladys is not able to keep the same during the hardships of Castro’s reign.
Gladys’ husband Carlos (Edward F. Torres) is a loyal supporter of Castro and rises from being a chauffeur to the head of transportation in the new government, while Gladys stays loyal to her promise, despite having to make heartbreaking choices. Her devotion to her friend and her struggle to maintain her balance and control while life is crumbling around her make a captivating story.
A look at hope and integrity through upheaval and change, The Cook serves up entertainment in a thought-provoking slice of the lives of what could be a real family. More information is at www.goodmantheatre.org.