PORTAGE PARK — The audience of the Filament Theatre Ensemble's "The Van Gogh Cafe" won't just get to see and hear the story of a roadside diner touched by magic. They'll also get to taste it.
After first showing at Community Tavern last summer, the show that organizers describe as an "immersive culinary experience" will launch a three-weekend run at Fannie's Cafe, Bakery and Boutique, 5044 W. Montrose Ave., starting Saturday.
Based on Chicago playwright Andrew J. Lampl's adaption of Newberry Medalist Cynthia Rylant’s 1995 book, the play tells the story of Clara, a 10-year-old growing up in a Kansas diner owned by her father, Marc.
The narrative unfolds in five chapters, each corresponding to a dish that will be served to audience members throughout the show. The courses include roasted vegetables, cheddar biscuits and lemon meringue pie, all made fresh in Fannie's kitchen and developed by cafe owner Stephanie Rybandt.
"It's so exciting, because people usually just think of us as a bakery or cafe, so this will really give us an opportunity to show off what we can do in the kitchen," Rybandt said.
While the audience eats, the six-character cast will bring the Van Gogh Cafe to life all around them, using the restaurant's antique furniture and oak tables as their stage.
Fannie's "warm, inviting atmosphere" was a main reason why Filament Theatre artistic director Julie Ritchey wanted to bring the performance there, she said.
"We'll be using the restaurant space in unexpected ways, but the real hope is that is truly a site-specific piece," said Ritchey, who directs the play. "It's about finding what's special and quirky and unique about Fannie's, and adding that into the story."
"The Van Gogh Cafe" will show at 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until March 26. Tickets can be bought online for $45 each, or $30 for children and students.
