*** Recommended *** Windy City Playhouse has paired up with Rick Bayless (yes, that Rick Bayless) for a brand new immersive theater experience, A Recipe for Disaster. You might remember that Windy City had a very successful run with an immersive play, Southern Gothic. A Recipe for Disaster was written by Rick Bayless, Carl Menninger and Amy Rubenstein and directed by David H. Bell. While A Recipe for Disaster doesn’t reach to the Southern Gothic standard, it’s still pretty darn good. Food and drink samplings are mostly delish. Oh, and it’s a lot of fun! 3 Spotlights
As guests are admitted to the club level at Petterino’s, they are asked to wait in the bar area. Many availed themselves of the adult beverages on offer. Just as people started to get restless, waiters began serving a delish cocktail sampling created by Lanie Bayless. Suddenly, the kitchen door slammed open and people started yelling at each other. By the time people figured out that these were actors, the show was underway. After a short time, guests were invited into the restaurant where seating is assigned.
Shelley (Emma Jo Boyden), who called herself the house manager, was answering the phone while trying to make sure everything was in order for 
Influencer Night at the Contumacious Pig (basically the pig-headed pig).
The chef has called off sick - she’s actually sulking because the sous chef got a good mention from a food writer. Someone cancelled their order for an organically grown pig, the supplier can’t help, so they’ve ordered one from Amazon. Between phone calls, Shelley hired a random guy wearing a really bad wig, who says his name is Boris (Ian Maryfield) as a server.
Sous chef Jude (Ben Page) doesn’t think he’s ready to take over for the chef on such an important night – until line chef, Iggy (Alex Morales), points out that the recipes chef is using are his anyhow. As the wait staff serve two different tasting samples created by Rick Bayless, Jude pulls himself together enough to explain what they are.
When Kiki (Carley Cornelius), a vegan influencer, and her friend, Loreen (Kierra Bunch), come in, Kiki demands Shelley’s personal attention. She walked around taking selfies and telling everyone who would listen about her 
vegan preferences. Loreen, on the other hand, is more interested in ‘acquiring’ a complete set of tableware.
When Shelley gets word that the health inspector will be showing up, she tells Felix (Daniel Trinidad) to hide the shrink-wrapped pig. Meanwhile, Jude has taken a Valium – or two – to calm down, but he does manage to explain the next taste sampling.
When Inspector Clyde (Ryan Reilly) gets there, she leads him on a tour – keeping him away from the messy kitchen – and the shrink-wrapped pig which keeps turning up. Kiki thinks Clyde owns he Contumacious Pig, so she takes selfies with him.
What else can go wrong? You’d be surprised! You’ll have to see A Recipe for Disaster to find out!
Note: Guests must show proof of vaccination before entering the building. Guests are required to remain masked when not actively eating or drinking throughout the show.
Recipe for Disaster” runs through December 31st in the Club Level at Petterino’s, 150 N. Dearborn (Randolph Street entrance), Chicago. Paid parking is available at several nearby garages. Running time is approximately 1 hour, 28 minutes, no intermission. Limited to 30 guests per performance.
Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm; Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:30 & 8:00 pm; Sundays at 1:30 & 6:00 pm. Regular and VIP ticket options starting at $90, include six bite-size tastings and three cocktail and wine samplings. VIP experience includes a pre-show charcuterie board and cocktail, premium seating and a gift bag including dessert, a party favor and a signed photo of Chef Rick Bayless and the cast. FYI www.windycityplayhouse.com.