Cookin' With Gus brings together four unlikely characters in a stew of hijinks and hilarity in this play about famous food columnist, Gussie Richardson, who is offered her own daily network television show. She wants to do it, but her husband Walter is dead set against it and Gussie discovers she has stage fright and can't open her mouth in front of a camera. Everybody tries to help her get over it . . . Walter through hypnotism, Bernie her agent by threats; and even wacky Gypsy Carmen from next door casts spells. Just when she thinks she's cured, the taping turns into a comic nightmare concluding in an all out food fight that almost ends the show and her marriage.

Fun for the performers and a great evening for the audience, Cookin' With Gus is directed by Dawn Stevenson. Cast members are Rachael Rhodus, Wayne Day, Patrick Simpson and Kat Brintzinghoffer.

Cookin' With Gus is scheduled to open on Friday, August 22, with performances on August 22, 23, 29, 30 and a matinee performance on Sunday, August 24. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Play will be held at Community of Christ Church on Plummer Rd., Excelsior Springs. House opens 30 minutes before curtain. Tickets will be available at the door or by calling 637-ESCT (3728) or purchase online now.