Critic's Pick: 'Barbara’s Blue Kitchen'

An accomplished playwright, screenwriter, actor and educator, Lori Fischer is widely respected throughout the local arts community. But she’s also racked up plenty of credits beyond Music City. Her delightful musical Barbara’s Blue Kitchen has played everywhere from the Adirondack Theatre Festival and Cincinnati Playhouse to the Cumberland County Playhouse, and it even enjoyed an off-Broadway run at the Lamb’s Theatre in 2006. Audiences are invited to pull up a chair and revisit this homestyle favorite, as Fischer brings Barbara’s Blue Kitchen back to the Darkhorse Theater this weekend only. Set in Watertown, it’s sort of a slice-of-life comedy, featuring a slew of quirky characters — from Miss Tessie (a delightfully sassy senior from the neighborhood retirement home) to Jeanette (a Tupperware-toting waitress with a penchant for dropping her plates). There are also plenty of country-tinged tunes like “Love Coming Through,” “How Many Pieces of My Heart,” and “I Want My Kidney Back.” Malana Harris directs, and the cast includes Fischer, along with local favorite Shawn Knight. 

Nov. 5-7 at the Darkhorse Theater

4610 Charlotte Ave.