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written and directed by Marion J. Caffey

TaurPro Entertainment, New Yorker Theatre, Toronto June 20, 2004

It’s back and still bubbling over with mood-enhancing soul.  The record-breaking CanStage production of Cookin’ at the Cookery about jazz and blues legend Alberta Hunter (1895-1984) has been remounted at the New Yorker Theatre, a smaller venue much better suited to the cabaret nature of the show. 

The story of Hunter’s rise to fame and amazing comeback at age 82 is fascinating.  Though his script is too simplistic and hackneyed, Caffey’s musical bio does the great service of bringing a remarkable woman’s life and music back to public attention.

Montego Glover plays the younger Hunter and other roles with a certain self-conscious showiness.  What makes Cookin’ a must-see event is the ecstatic performance of Jackie Richardson.  She sings Hunter’s songs with such power, down-to-earth warmth and wry wit, she has you begging for more.  If you missed it before, don't miss it this time.  Hers is a performance to cherish.              

©Christopher Hoile

Note: A version of this review appeared in Eye Weekly 2004-04-29.

Photo: Jackie Richardson. ©2004 Shin Sugino.