With its ripped-from-the-headlines subject, Renaissance Theaterworks' production of "The Cake" could have turned out as predictable as cake from a box.
But Tara Mallen whisks enough baking soda into her performance to make this confection rise.
Suzan Fete directed Bekah Brunstetter's comedy, which continues through Nov. 14 in the company's new home at Next Act Theatre.
Carolina baker Della (Mallen) eagerly awaits a chance to appear on a famous reality TV baking show, confident in her secret superpower – following directions. Jen (April Paul), a young family friend returned home, wants Della to make her wedding cake. Happy news! However, Jen is marrying Macy (Courtney Marie Tucker). For the Southern Christian Della, much less happy news.
She tries to let Jen down easy by claiming to be too busy, but the issue surfaces soon enough: Della feels it's wrong to make a wedding cake for two lesbians. Her husband Tim (Sam D. White) aggressively supports this stance, but it's obvious Della is more conflicted.
Mallen's gentle, often hilarious performance made me see her as a Southern-fried Edith Bunker, a timid, conventional woman whose innate kindness gives her the courage to question assumptions and even confront her brusque husband. Brunstetter's comedy has that Norman Lear quality of making characters engaging enough for an audience to get through the content of their arguments, which we've heard many times before.
Her comedy also has a sweet final scene.
Renaissance's production features the best stunt casting I've heard in ages. In several fantasy segments, Della interacts with a Voice from the TV reality baking show, who doubles as the mouthpiece of her inner critic. It's Milwaukee Ballet artistic director Michael Pink, gleefully dishing the words in his Yorkie accent.
Contact Jim Higgins at jim.higgins@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jhiggy.
If you go
Renaissance Theaterworks performs "The Cake" through Nov. 14 at Next Act Theatre, 255 S. Water St. Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test required. Masks required. For tickets and info, visit www.r-t-w.com.
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