In a story ripped from the headlines, a North Carolina baker faces a crisis of conscience in this 2019 off-Broadway comedy “The Cake,” which will have its local premiere Oct. 31-Nov. 17 courtesy of the Human Race Theatre Company at the Loft Theatre.
Written by Bekah Brunstetter, writer and co-producer of NBC’s Emmy-winning hit drama “This is Us,” “The Cake” concerns Della Brady, owner of Della’s Sweets who has been chosen to compete on “The Great American Baking Show.” Situations turn when Jen, Brooklyn-based daughter of Della’s best friend, returns to Winston-Salem for her upcoming marriage to Macy. Della’s husband, Tim, doesn’t want her to bake their wedding cake, leaving her to question her own deep-seated beliefs and the bonds of her marriage.
“We fell in love with this play last year,” said Human Race Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “First, good comedies are really hard to find. But the play also has real impact. There are great comedies that can turn on a dime and suddenly (grab) you — those are the comedies (we) love to get a hold of. (Although) the subject matter isn’t approached from a political standpoint, it (stresses) the personal. Should a person, can a person, challenge their own personal beliefs for the people they love?”
“When I (first) read the script, I felt I knew what the story was but it wasn’t that (particular) story,” added director Greg Hellems, Wright State University musical theater professor who previously staged “Sex with Strangers” for the Human Race. “The (script) is more conversational and I felt at the end it was a very thoughtful piece, (especially) about the way people approach differences. Differences in the ways all of us are brought up and what we believe. What I liked the most is that I felt the (play) is a conversation by people who have complicated lives and deal with complicated issues.”
Considering “The Cake” requires partial nudity, Hellems notably turned to WSU alumna Alicia Rodis, co-founder of Intimacy Directors International whose work is currently evident on HBO’s outstanding new drama “Watchmen.” He wanted to make sure issues of intimacy were well-handled and comfortable for all involved.
“(It’s important) to allow people working in the theater and on film to be (intimate) in a way that is safe and thoughtful, where adults consent to the kind of work they’re doing,” he explained. “There are common-sense rules, called pillars, actors go through to produce those type of moments. Actors must understand the context in which the intimacy is being done in relation to the play. Choreography is also (important) which makes the intimacy easier for the (actors).”
Here comes the bride
At a recent sneak peek, WSU alumna Claire Kennedy, whose speaking voice always resonates with passion and power, was in fine form as the excited, inquisitive and slightly concerned Jen. Previously seen at the Loft Theatre as Mary in “Hail Mary!,” Laura in “The Glass Menagerie” and Viola in “Twelfth Night” among others, she says she’s grateful for the opportunity to return to the Human Race, which she considers her artistic home. She primarily views “The Cake” as a meaningful declaration of love in many relatable, thought-provoking forms.
“Love of family and community, love of a partner, love for those you can no longer say ‘I love you’ to, love of differences and challenges, love of speaking your truth even when it’s scary, love for where you’ve come from but also love for where you’re going, and love for yourself and who you are,” she said. “Ultimately, loving who you are is most important in order to love all those other beautiful things. I find this story to also be about communicating, coming together and starting a dialogue, and truly listening, especially when thoughts may be different than your own. (The play) is also funny and heartwarming. I guarantee audiences will laugh out loud! We are having way too much fun in rehearsals and I’m looking forward to sharing that fun and laughter with audiences.”
The cast also includes Chicago-based actress Laurie Carter Rose in her Human Race debut as Della, Human Race resident artist Tim Lile as Tim, and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company ensemble member Candice Handy as Macy.
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