For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Angie Bertucci
805.966.4946 x610
abertucci@lobero.com
Tickets: Lobero Box Office
805.963.0761 or lobero.com
Lobero LIVE and Rod Lathim present
Food Confessions
A saucy new comedy by Nancy Nufer. Directed by Jenny Sullivan.
Santa Barbara, CA, March 3, 2016 – This fall Santa Barbara audiences will be presented with a hilarious world premiere
penned by one of its own. Lobero LIVE is proud to announce the premiere performance of Nancy Nufer’s Food
Confessions September 21-23 at the Lobero Theatre, presented as a part of Lobero LIVE’s Series of Wits. Food
Confessions is a saucy comedy that interweaves stories about our own appetite and the appetites of the people we love,
offering up a unique way of looking at life, love, and why we are hungry.
Food Confessions was originally work shopped with Good Company of Santa Barbara (an actor collective) leading to a
pair of public readings, directed by renowned stage director Jenny Sullivan, at Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura.
Rod Lathim (Access Theatre) was in attendance and threw his hat in the ring as producer.
“After seeing the development of Food Confessions in workshop, my enthusiasm grew to the point where I offered to
produce it for Nancy the very night I saw its final reading,” said Lathim. “That’s something I’ve never done before. But
I’m passionate about this piece, and love creating new work. Plus I’m dedicated to nurturing local actors, playwrights,
directors and designers.”
Food Confessions is a tale both tart and tender, combining a large helping of food, a dash of family, and a whole lot of
crazy. However, director Jenny Sullivan says the goal of the show is more than just making audiences laugh. Says
Sullivan: “It stimulates conversation after the performance because, in addition to being hysterical, Food Confessions
reminds us of our own food memories. From personal peeves to bad dates, or those family dinners with epic cooking
fiascoes… it’s all here.”
Ms. Nufer is quick to point out her good fortune in being supported by such gifted professionals. “Being surrounded by
so much talent is utterly exhilarating,” she says. “I’ve learned a great deal about what I’m trying to say… from others.
And my natural nosiness has lead to some of the very best food confessions.”
Tickets for Food Confessions are on sale now at Lobero.com now or by calling the box office, at 805-963-0761.
Subscriptions for A Series of Wits are available by calling the box office, at 805-963-0761. Patron ticket holders are
invited to a special pre-performance “supper club” in the Lobero Courtyard for a performance of Food Confessions.
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About Food Confessions
This feel-good, tastes-great comedy had its genesis in an unexpected way: during lunch. Ms. Nufer was dining with
fellow thespian Sara Bashor and remarked upon the fact Sara consistently ordered the same thing when dining in a
restaurant. To wit: macaroni and cheese.
One small comment elicited Ms. Bashor’s impassioned diatribe on the intrinsic dos and don’ts of “genuine” mac ‘n
cheese, and how often posers render a disservice by “adulterating the real Johnny with superfluous ingredients.” Ms.
Bashor was, as they say, all worked up. And Ms. Nufer thought: This belongs in a play.
Nufer adds, “It’s Kismet that we landed here on the Lobero stage because this is where I saw my very first live theater.
When I was a kid, my parents were part of the Alhecama Players, and I’ve always considered the Lobero the place I got
my first big break.”
“When I was four, Dad was playing one of the sailors in South Pacific, and I got to step in one night as Emile De Becque’s
daughter. Once you’re been up there in a grass skirt… covered from head to toe in pancake makeup and singing your
heart out… it’s impossible to get the theater out of your system. In many ways this feels like coming home.”
Support by local restaurants also makes this production feel “home grown.” Each of the four performances offers a light
supper option (or lunch for matinees) in conjunction with the best seats in the house.
A different restaurant sponsor provides this meal and dessert option for each performance. Sponsors include Aldo’s
Italian Ristorante, Fresco’s Cafe, Olio E Limone Ristorante and Sojourner Café & Restaurant.
About the cast/director/producer:
Dan Gunther plays a trio of male roles with aplomb. Indie film work includes starring roles in the Cannes Award-winner
Denise Calls Up and Sundance entry Lewis & Clark & George, among others. He had a small role in Galaxy Quest, of
which he is inordinately proud. Television appearances include guest spots on ER, The West Wing, Melrose Place and
others.
As an improviser, Dan has appeared in San Francisco at BATS improv and can be seen onstage most Saturday nights
performing with the Ventura Improv Company (VIC) or the wonderful Instant Karma. (venturaimprov.com)
Central Coast major roles include Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Garland Award), Side Man, As Bees in Honey Drown, Sight
Unseen, Moon over Buffalo and A Perfect Ganesh (West Coast premiere, Indie Award), all at the Ensemble Theatre
Company of Santa Barbara under the direction of the late Robert Grande Weiss. He has performed many times at the
Lobero and at Center Stage with Speaking of Stories.
At Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura: the Good Company production of the world premiere of In All Honesty. Also
You Can't Take It With You, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,  Neil Simon’s Fools and many staged readings of new work.
He was an AEA guest artist at SBCCTG for Simon’s Rumors with Nancy Nufer.
Elsewhere in his home state of California, he has appeared in A Perfect Ganesh (Odyssey Theatre, L.A. premiere), Shaw’s
Misalliance and Sondheim’s Assassins (L.A. Repertory Company), and fifteen productions at San Diego’s Old Globe
Theatre, from which he received an MFA in Drama.
Dan’s food confession? He loves spicy food. Sadly it no longer cares for him.
Robert Lesser is a New Yorker now living in Santa Barbara, who plays a trio of male roles with relish. Some of his theater
credits include: New York Shakespeare Festival's Richard the Third, The Soft Touch directed by Alan Arkin, Rubbers and
Yanks 3 Detroit 0 Top of the Seventh at American Place Theatre, also directed by Mr. Arkin, Yale Repertory's Winterfest
and Sam Shepard's Geography of a Horse Dreamer at Manhattan Theatre Club. At the Odyssey n Los Angeles, he has
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appeared in Steven Berkoff's Kvetch, and God's Country, and the West Coast Premier of To Gillian on her 37th Birthday,
directed by Michael Pressman.
Robert’s busy theater life in Santa Barbara includes: My Antonia and In All Honesty at the Rubicon, The Goat or Who is
Sylvia? by Edward Albee and Becket's Krapp's Last Tape (Indie Award) at Center Stage, The Fourth Wall, Proof (Indie
Award), Communicating Doors {Indie Award), The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Indie Award), The Weir, Art (Indie and Garland
Honorable Mention), An Inspector Calls, Indiscretions, and The Cripple of Inishmaan at Ensemble Theatre Company of
Santa Barbara. He is also a frequent performer with Speaking of Stories.
Some of his films include Hester Street, The Big Easy, Great Balls of Fire, The Josephine Baker Story, 2010, Ernest Saves
Christmas, The Last Innocent Man, Shoot to Kill, Die Hard, Oscar, The Relic, Godzilla, End of Days and the Takashi Koizumi
war epic, Best Wishes for Tomorrow. Bob belongs to Ensemble Studio Theatre and Pacific Resident Theatre and, here at
home, he is a proud new member of The Good Company of Santa Barbara, “Home Cooked Theater at its Ever Lovin’
Best.”
Robert’s food confession? He'd love to dine out again on a hot dog, vinegar French fries and corn on the cob at the
original "Nathan's Famous" in Coney Island. Wouldn't you?
Nancy Nufer plays the elder female roles, a total of four great dames. Nufer, best known to Santa Barbara as a
performer, has appeared at Rubicon Theatre in Love Letters, All in the Timing, Hamlet, Picasso at the Lapine Agile and In
All Honesty.
With over 30 roles at Ensemble Theatre to her credit, highlights include Twelfth Night, Blithe Spirit, Beyond Therapy, The
Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomens Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of A Christmas Carol, Marvin’s Room
(Dramalogue Award), Sylvia, All in the Timing (Indie Award), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Garland Award), The Country Club
(Indie Award), and The Fourth Wall.
Other local performances include The Waiting Room, Cabaret, On the Razzle and Rumors for SBCC Theater Group at the
Garvin Theatre, and Grease with SB Civic Light Opera. Her checkered past boasts Speaking of Stories, assorted improv
troupes, and one half of the female comedy team, Evening Bags. She is a founding member of Good Company of Santa
Barbara.
Nufer’s food confession? The Kettle Chips her husband keeps in a clipped bag atop the fridge to snack on during sporting
events. She’s been known to dip into the bag relentlessly over the course of a day, but she publicly claims never to
indulge in such foodstuffs. Aforementioned hubby never busts her for this, thereby proving the happy state of their
marriage.
Kara Revel plays the younger female roles, a total of four deliciously flawed, diverse babes. Kara grew up writing shorts
stories and epic ballads in a Kentucky neighborhood famous for its peanut butter factory. The smells were delightful, but
Kara soon realized there were so many more delights in the world.
Traveling the globe, she interned in London at The Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe before
venturing to The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts’ summer Shakespeare Program. Upon settling in California, Kara was
thrilled to first work in the Santa Barbara area with the Rubicon Theatre (Crimes of the Heart, One Flew Over the
Cuckoo’s Nest) and Speaking of Stories.
Additional credits include the world premiere of Steven Berkoff’s Sit and Shiver, the West Coast premieres of Caryl
Churchill’s Far Away and Jane Martins’ Flags, the 10th anniversary production of Dracula at Actors Theatre of Louisville,
Othello (LAWSC/Boston Court Theatre) and As You Like It (Shakespeare Orange County). Film/TV credits: Criminal Minds
and the Emmy Award-winning TV movie, The Movement.
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As a writer, Kara was honored with the Eudora Welty Award in Literature from the National Society of Arts and Letters,
and other awards from Actors Theatre of Louisville, Runes Review, the Vermont Studio Center, and Carolina Foundation
for the Arts.
As a playwright (with theatrical writing partner, Sherry Bokser), Kara’s work has represented the United States at the
Women Playwrights International Conference in Mumbai, India and been honored by the Lark Play Develop.m.ent
Center, the Great Plains Theatre Conference, New Perspective Theatre’s Women’s Work Lab, Reverie Productions’ Next
Generation Playwrights’ Award, Heiress Productions’ Playwriting Competition, and the Mario Fratti-Fred Newman
Political Play Contest.
Kara’s food confession? She’d so love to dine again on her grandfather’s garden-fresh tomatoes, pinched with salt (and
maybe a little pepper).
Devin Scott plays four male roles with gusto. Devin began acting in elementary school plays while living in Cairo, Egypt
(menu items: pita bread, hummus, and Miranda Orange drink). He continued acting, and eating, while attending high
school in Oakland, California (La Val’s Pizza, College Avenue Burrito and Jolt Cola).
He hit his acting stride – and current weight – while attending SBCC and UC Santa Barbara (Beer). During that time he
performed with SBCC Theater Group (The Foreigner, On The Razzle, Lend Me A Tenor, Kentucky Cycle, Gross Indecency:
The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde) and Ensemble Theatre Company (Our Country’s Good, What the Butler Saw, Little Foxes)
before co-founding the Maverick Players Theatre Company (Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll – which received an Independent
Award and Suburbia).
After a three-year stint in Japan (Hakata Ramen, Yoshinoya and Pocari Sweat), he moved to New York City to study at
the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre (Lombardi’s Pizza, Tal Bagels and beer). While in New York he was the
Executive Director of the Outsider Collective Theatre Company and the founding Co-Artistic Director of the Bridge
Theatre Company.
In 2006, he moved back to Santa Barbara to reprise his role as Ellard in The Foreigner with SBCC Theater Group, and met
his wife (wedding cheese cake)! Since then he has performed with SBCCTG (Rough Crossing), Dijo Productions (Fifteen
Rounds with Jackson Pollock), Circle Bar B (Leading Ladies) and the world premiere of One Day: Sarah House. He is also a
regular performer with Speaking of Stories. For Good Company of Santa Barbara, Devin directed the world premiere
production of In All Honesty at the Rubicon Theatre Company.
Devin’s food confession: He hates eating things off the bone. (“Do you NOT see all those ligaments and tendons
snapping and popping?!?”)
Jenny Sullivan (Director) is a former long time resident of Santa Barbara. Her credits include a large body of work at both
Rubicon Theatre and Ensemble Theatre of Santa Barbara.
Rubicon Theatre: Steel Magnolias (Indie Award); The Mystery of Irma Vep; Nazi Hunter-Simon Wiesenthal; Tea at
Five with Stephanie Zimbalist; Doubt; Trying; Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Indie Award) with Joe Spano and Karyl
Lynn Burns; Spit Like A Big Girl; You Can't Take It With You; Hamlet (Indie Award) with Joseph Fuqua; One Flew Over the
Cuckoo’s Nest; Tuesdays with Morrie with Harold Gould and Joseph Fuqua; Defying Gravity; Happy Days; Art (Indie
Award); Dancing at Lughnasa (Indie Award); The Rainmaker; Little Foxes; Love Letters with Jack Lemmon and Felicia Farr;
Old Wicked Songs with Harold Gould. Manitoba Theatre Centre: The Dresser with Len Cariou and Granville Van Dusen.
At Ensemble Theatre: The Lion in Winter (Indie Award); The Mystery of Irma Vep; Tea At Five; The Clean House (Indie
Award); Dublin Carol (Indie Award) and The Memory of Water.
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Some other theatres: The Elephant Man for San Jose Rep; West Coast premiere of Jane Martin’s Flags; Death of a
Salesman with Stuart Margolin and Wendy Phillips at AUM; The Falcon Theatre: The Memoirs of Abraham Lincoln with
Granville Van Dusen and Tea at Five with Stephanie Zimbalist; Theatre 40: Nazi Hunter-Simon Wiesenthal (Ovation
Nomination). Jenny was director of the Geffen Playhouse production of Nora and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss and What I
Wore and the long-running Los Angeles production of The Vagina Monologues.
Her world premiere of Jane Anderson’s The Baby Dance began at Pasadena Playhouse, moved to Williamstown Theatre
Festival, Long Wharf Theatre (CT Critics’ Directing Award) and the Lucille Lortel Theatre Off-Broadway. Six seasons at
Williamstown: MACS (A Macaroni Requiem), Defying Gravity, Hotel Oubliette, Dirt and The Ferry Back.
Film credits: Access All Areas and The Next Best Thing (in which she had the good fortune to direct her father Barry).
Jenny is most proud of the world premiere of her play J for J with Jeff Kober and the late great John Ritter.
In the 70’s and 80’s Jenny was one of the founding members of The Mime Caravan of Santa Barbara, the company that
created the Summer Solstice Celebration. Jenny produced the SSC Festivals at the County Courthouse Gardens and the
Santa Barbara County Bowl.
She is thrilled to return to the Lobero stage where she directed The Mime Caravan production of The Shadow Box and
also collaborated with Michael Gonzales on the TMC production of In Circular Motion: Mother Earth/Father Sky.
Rod Lathim is a freelance director, having staged The Boys Next Door and Children of a Lesser God for the Rubicon
Theatre in Ventura, California. He founded and served as Artistic Director of Access Theatre 1979-96. The international
touring and television production of Storm Reading was perhaps their best-known production.
A few of the awards for Lathim’s artistic and civic work include the Princess Grace Foundation USA Outstanding
Achievement Award presented by Frank Sinatra and the Royal Family of Monaco, Maxwell House’s America’s 100
Heroes, multiple Media Access and Drama-Logue Awards, multiple humanitarian awards, Santa Barbara Magazine’s Big
Canvas Award for Community Service and the only person to receive two Santa Barbara Independent Local Hero Awards.
In 1998, Stage Directions Magazine honored his company, Access Theatre, as one of Ten Theatres Nationally that has
“Made a Difference.”
Lathim also produced the benefit event “GLEE at The Luke” with the Executive Directors, Co-Creator/writer and cast
members of the hit Fox TV show.
He wrote and produced the 20th anniversary celebration production for Center Stage Theater; cast and stage directed
John Lithgow’s children’s book, The Remarkable Farkle McBride with composer Cody Westheimer for the Santa Barbara
Symphony; wrote an original script titled Miguel And His Cell for the Santa Barbara Dance Institute; and recently
premiered a new play he wrote and directed titled Unfinished Business at Center Stage Theater, which will return next
year.
Dates, Prices, and Special Performance:
Food Confessions opens at the Lobero Theatre on Friday, September 21 at 8 p.m., with a special benefit preview
performance on Thursday, September 20 for the Santa Barbara Foodbank, prices TBA. Additional performances are
Saturday, September 22 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and closing Sunday, September 23 at 2 p.m.
Tickets for Food Confessions are on sale now at Lobero.com or at the Lobero Theatre Box Office at 33 East Canon
Perdido Street. Box office hours are Monday – Friday, 10am to 5p.m. To order tickets by phone, please call the box office
during office hours at (805) 963-0761 or 1-888-456-2376. Ticket prices range from $47 for Supper Club tickets (Ticket
includes light supper, dessert and Priority seating), $37 for Section A, $27 for Section B, and $22 for Students/Seniors.
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Special group rates of $20 per person apply for groups of eight or more. Tickets are subject to a $3 Lobero Facility Fee,
other fees may also apply. Tickets are also available at Lobero.com.
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Lobero LIVE is funded in part by the Events and Festivals Program using funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership
with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission. Additional sponsorship for the Lobero Series of Wits is provided by the Santa
Barbara Independent and KCSB 91.9 FM.
CALENDAR LISTING
WHAT:
Food Confessions – A saucy new comedy by Nancy Nufer
WHEN:
Friday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 22 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 23 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 www.lobero.com
WHO:
Presented by Rod Lathim and LOBERO LIVE
Starring: Dan Gunther, Robert Lesser, Nancy Nufer, Kara Revel, and Devin Scott
COST:
$47 – Supper Club (Ticket includes light supper and dessert with premiere seating),
$37 Section A, $27 Section B, and $22 Students/Seniors
Tickets are subject to $3 facility fee
INFO:
(805) 963-0761 or www. Lobero.com
ABOUT:
Food Confessions is a delicious, hilarious and original new play combining a large helping
of food, a dash of family, and a whole lot of crazy. This series of interwoven stories reveal a
world both tart and tender. A unique way of looking at life, love, and why we are hungry
by holding the mirror up to our own foibles.
The Lobero is wheelchair accessible and has the assistive listening system in place for patrons
who are hard of hearing, inquire at Box Office.
www.lobero.com
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