Invisible Theatre Presents ‘I Love To Eat’ — James Beard’s Love Affair With Food

The Invisible Theatre kicks off its landmark 52nd season with “I Love To Eat” (James Beard’s Love Affair with Food!) by James Still playing Tuesday, September 5 – Sunday, September 17. In partnership with Tucson Foodie, this delicious production stars David Alexander Johnston as James Beard and is directed by Susan Claassen.  

“Moderation! I am against it!” 

Before Rachael Ray, Gordon Ramsay, and even Julia Child, there was James Beard — America’s first TV chef and namesake of the coveted culinary prize. In this tasty one-man comedy, Beard welcomes us into his Greenwich Village kitchen where he cooks, gossips, sings, fights loneliness, and reenacts some of the wilder moments from his ground-breaking television show that aired from August 1946 – May 1947.

“I Love To Eat” is the cooking lesson of a lifetime — it attempts to share the food lover’s zest for life and his complicated biographical story. James Beard is still a household name — after all, the James Beard Awards are thought of as the Oscars of the restaurant world.

Above all, he reminds us that time spent in the kitchen should be fun.

Incorporating Local Chefs

With a special nod to Tucson’s outstanding culinary scene, Invisible Theatre will honor Tucson’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy by presenting top local chefs in post-show discussions following select performances. And, in James Beard fashion, two of the participating chefs are James Beard Award Winners: Janos Wilder, Best Chef Southwest, and Don Guerra, Outstanding Baker US. 

Additional guest chefs will be announced as they are confirmed, but so far, here’s the lineup of talented chefs.

Participating Local Chefs

• Wednesday, September 6 – Devon Sanner, Zio Peppe
• Thursday, September 7 – Don Guerra, Barrio Bread
• Friday, September 8 – Kathy Iannacone, Private Chef
• Sunday, September 10 – Jacki Kuder, Richard De La Cruz, Kingfisher
• Wednesday, September 13 – Gary Hickey, Si Charro! Concepts
• Thursday, September 14 and Sunday, September 17 – Janos Wilder, Studio Janos

Get Your Tickets!

The 2023-24 season includes a six-play main stage season, student/senior matinees, unique special events, educational tours, and more. Tickets for the “I Love to Eat” preview performance on Tuesday, September 5 are $20. All other performances are $40 and group discounts are available. The play is rated PG.

The Invisible Theatre is located at 1400 N. First Ave. To purchase tickets and for additional information, visit invisibletheatre.com or call (520) 882-9721.    

More About the Invisible Theatre

The Invisible Theatre (IT) of Tucson, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, has been dedicated to producing quality theatre and arts education experiences for all facets of the community in an intimate setting that showcases local professional talent and guest artists for 52 years. Started in 1971 as an arena for local playwrights, the theatre has expanded its programs to include adaptations of classics and recent Off-Broadway plays and musicals, while continuing to encourage new playwrights through both full productions and stage readings.