William Brown ^ Playwright/Director

Doug Frew Playwright

Cast

Karen Janes Woditsch * Julia Child

Craig Spidle * Paul Child

Jeannie Affelder Madame Dorin, Maria, Simca

Sam Ashdown Carolina, Black

Janet Ulrich Brooks * + Madame Brassart, Avis

Ian Paul Custer Joe, Lee, Hollings

Terry Hamilton * ^ Bugnard, Big John

Juliet Hart * + Judith, Grace

Heidi Kettenring * Jane

Brian Plocharczyk Gilles, Mick, Richard, Smith, Cole

Production Team

Charles Cooper # ^ Lighting Designer

Andrew Hansen ^ Sound Designer and Composer

Maren Robinson + Dramaturg

Eva Breneman ^ Dialect Coach

Julie Eberhardt Properties Designer
Keith Pitts Scenic Designer
Rachel Anne Healy # Costume Designer
Lauren V. Hickman * Stage Manager
Jonathan Nook * Assistant Stage Manager

Reviews

The Wall Street Journal

May 28, 2020

“A treasurable reminder of the famously high quality of Chicago theater in general and TimeLine Theatre in particular. … Mr. Brown’s staging is so intimate (most of the play’s scenes center on only two characters) that the lack of sophisticated camerawork is no obstacle to viewing pleasure. To the contrary, it’s both instructive and a treat to watch Ms. Woditsch and Mr. Spidle from what feels like a front-row seat. The only thing you miss is the smell of onstage cooking, which takes place throughout To Master the Art, much of which is set in the Childs’ Paris kitchen. Too bad they haven’t figured out how to put that online!”

—Terry Teachout

Read the full review

Chicago Tribune

“An excellent, intimate, foodie-friendly staging, resonant with atmosphere and the kind of classic, cozy, autumnal kitchen ambiance that makes one want to swear off takeout food from this moment forth.”

—Chris Jones

Chicago Now

“The scene of her first day at cooking school where she prepares scrambled eggs is the most innovative bit of staging that I have ever seen. It must be seen to believed. … If you love theatre, this is a must see. If you love food you’ll like it even better.”

—Roy Leonard

Windy City Times

“You will leave the theater following this show wanting to: 1) move to Paris, 2) eat something delicious and French and 3) tell somebody you’ve loved for a long time that you don’t regret it an instant. … Whatever your personal sentiments regarding her legacy, you will cheer on her every victory, share her every sorrow, growl at her every enemy, and happily incur an appetite as you do.“

—Mary Shen Barnidge

Broadway World

“You probably don’t need the sweet, buttery smell of shallots cooking to know that TimeLine Theatre Company’s production of To Master the Art is the theatrical equivalent of comfort food. It would be nostalgic, sentimental and absolutely delicious without the onstage cooking. … [Karen Janes] Woditsch gives one of the best performances of this season and the show is not to be missed.“

—Misha Davenport

Stage and Cinema

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. “A delicious passion play. … Four courses and four stars!”

—Lawrence Bommer

Ada Grey Reviews for You

“People who would like this show are people who like food, France, and fun!”

—Ada Grey

Around the Town Chicago

“It isn’t often that people enjoy going to see a play that they just recently saw, but judging from the opening night audience at The Broadway Playhouse, for their second helping of To Master The Art written by William Brown and Doug Frew, they were ready for “seconds” (as was I).”

—Dan Zeff