REVIEW: ‘Bollywood Kitchen’ is scrumptious, danceable, touching entertainment
Photo: Sri Rao wrote and performs in Bollywood Kitchen, based on his best-selling cookbook. Photo courtesy of Hartman Benzon Media / Provided by Geffen Playhouse with permission.
Bollywood Kitchen, the latest virtual offering from the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, exceeds expectations for those lucky audience members who enter the kitchen and living room of Sri Rao. Ostensibly the evening is billed as a journey into the heart of Bollywood films and easy, delicious Indian cooking. Both of those are big checks on this recipe list, but what surprises most of all is how moving and heartfelt this 85-minute performance piece is from a personal standpoint. Rao opens up about his parents, his upbringing, his identity and his connection to his culture, and the audience are beneficiaries of his introspective journey.
While audience members congregate in the virtual waiting room, eager for the performance to begin, Bollywood music, trivia and images are shared on the screen, upping the excitement factor with the promise that this is going to be a delectable night. For those who upgrade beyond a simple streaming ticket, there’s also the chance to cook some Indian food at home while Rao cooks the meal on screen (a select few also receive a signed cookbook, also named Bollywood Kitchen, and get to interact with the host throughout the evening). A package of spices and ingredients arrives in an attractive box, along with a shopping list and recipe cards.
Once the performance begins, audiences have an intimate view into Rao’s apartment in New York City, where he is based for this now-extended run through March 6. This is the first Geffen Playhouse virtual production that does not originate from the Los Angeles area, but no matter where the star of the show resides, the audience is certainly global. On the evening this reviewer caught the performance, those lucky few sitting at Rao’s virtual table were from all over the world.
Rao gets started with the cooking almost immediately. On the menu for the performance is a chicken curry that truly looks easy to prepare (the confidence flows as much as the Mumbai mule). There’s also time to prepare a chocolate chai affogato. The other dishes highlighted on the shopping list and recipe cards are cooked in advance and are not showcased throughout the performance — that’s Bollywood popcorn, cucumber raita and everyday rice. There’s also a vegan option (chana masala) for those who would rather substitute out the chicken curry.
In addition to the cooking, Rao opens up about his love of Bollywood (he has even worked in the industry as a writer). Ever since he was a child, growing up in Pennsylvania, he has loved these big cinematic spectacles, featuring many colors, sweeping storylines, dance sequences and plenty of infectious music. During Bollywood Kitchen, which is directed by Arpita Mukherjee, there are interludes between the live segments that offer visual reminders of the Bollywood art form (and no doubt they allow Rao to catch his breath).
This is all impactful content, but when Rao lets the chicken simmer and the tunes fade into the background, Bollywood Kitchen becomes quite personal. He leaves his kitchen and sits on a couch, looks into the camera and talks about some of the struggles he and his family have had in the United States. The stories are powerful and poignant, encompassing his parents’ arranged marriage, their journey to the United States and their bumpy road to acceptance in Pennsylvania. There’s one anecdote about Rao’s father experiencing the segregated South and not knowing which facilities to use. Another part talks about Rao struggling with what it means to be an American. It’s a fascinating and revealing conversation about family, culture, sexuality, acceptance and personal peace.
Accompanying Rao’s stories are images of his family, so there’s a nice visual break from the testimonial atmosphere. Also, whenever the subject gets too intimate, Rao deftly turns the focus to the food and the films. He’s also quite affable and good-natured with the audience members who answer his questions and follow along on the journey.
Bollywood Kitchen has one part Bollywood, two parts kitchen and a heaping dose of heart.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Bollywood Kitchen, written and performed by Sri Rao, is currently playing an extended run through March 6 at the Geffen Playhouse. Directed by Arpita Mukherjee. All performances are virtual. Click here for more information and tickets.
