Sugar, Spice, and Everyone's Vice:
Or, Too Many Cooks?
Written by Steven Yandell
Directed by Martin Downs
Performing on February 18, 2025
Summary
When a small-town culinary historian finally creates the perfect recipe, everyone wants a slice of the action. As schemes collide and disguises work a little too well, only outside intervention (and a healthy pinch of luck) can get folks to simmer down and remind them what really matters.
Character Descriptions
The characters represent the "stock characters" of Commedia dell'Arte, and the exaggerated version of everyday people we all know. They have real wants and needs, but are played at an 11. The lovers in particular are serious to the point of a fault - they are practically in the wrong play.
LST will consider all ages, genders, and races for each role.
Dottore Rigotta, an affable, aging intellectual looking for purpose and love
Brighella, Dottore's servant, a grasping social climber and would-be business-person
Arlecchino, Dottore's servant, a well-meaning oaf
Leandro, the child of Dottore; a melodramatic but sweet college kid
Meridia, a friend of Leandro and not-so-secret badass
Pantalone, an elderly, wealthy impresario looking to grow wealthier
Signora Artemisia, Pantalone's much-younger spouse, a big fish in a small town
Colombina, a bright young servant of Pantalone and Signora
Lucrezia, the child of Pantalone; the intelligent, romantic, melodramatic heir of Pantalone
Pedrolino, the conniving steward and would-be successor to Pantalone
Gordono, renowned food critic, master chef, and total blowhard
Background
This play is an adaptation of a previous Laughing Stock show, titled "Dottore's Lab". After the revision process, it's practically unrecognizable! This project speaks to the ability of Commedia dell'Arte to tell so many different stories - no matter the plot, they can be very quickly and easily adapted to the actors in the room. LST is excited to see how this version of the play is performed!