Oakland Theatre Project production of COMFORT FOOD

Oakland Theatre Project Serves Up History, Humor and Heart with "Comfort Food" This August

BEVERLY HILLS, MI — The Oakland Theatre Project invites audiences to grab a plate and pull up a chair for its upcoming summer production of Comfort Food, a delightful comedy written by Rob Roznowski, a theatre faculty member of Michigan State University. This unique dinner theatre experience will run for three nights only—August 12, 13, and 14—at 7:00 p.m. inside the Theatre Arts Lab at Groves High School.

True to the spirit of the production, the event features a unique "BYOD" twist. "You provide the dinner, we'll provide the theatre," says artistic director John W. Rutherford. Patrons are highly encouraged to bring their own picnic dinners or takeout meals to enjoy at their tables while viewing the performance (note: non-alcoholic beverages only).

A Delicious Journey Through Time

Comfort Food is a clever, fast-paced comedy that explores the fascinating intersection of food and American history. The play unfolds as a collection of scenes told in reverse chronological order, taking the audience decade by decade back to the publication of the very first American cookbook.

Funny, poignant, and deeply insightful vignettes trace how our changing menus reflect our changing society. Audiences will witness:

• The high-tech convenience of the 1970s microwave clashing with the triumphs of women's liberation.
• The swinging, free-wheeling 1960s perfectly encapsulated by the chaos of a backyard fondue party.
• The stark, moving contrasts of the 1930s, where Great Depression bread lines are juxtaposed with glamorous high-society cocktail parties.

Celebrating Local Talent

This production serves as a vibrant showcase for the Metro Detroit educational theatre community. The cast features several prominent local high school theatre directors stepping out from behind the scenes and onto the stage, including Mary Bogrette (Bloomfield Hills High School), Dan Dobrovich (Cranbrook Kingswood), Chris Kuhlman (Utica Academy of International Studies), Eric Maher (Berman Center for the Performing Arts) and Heather McKaig (Novi High School). As well as other notable local talents including: Kristin Bratton (Sterling Heights), Amira Kamoo (Detroit), Eric Kent Franz (Ferndale), Brittany Lauren Robinson (Southfield), Wyatt Setty Robinson (Southfield), and Rebecca Starr (Beverly Hills).

Bringing this episodic comedy to life is a collaborative powerhouse of local directors. The piece is helmed by John W. Rutherford (W.E. Groves High School) with additional guest directors  Chris Kuhlman (Utica Academy of International Studies), Heather McKaig (Novi High School), Eric Maher (Berman Center for the Performing Arts), Ashley Wickett Lane (Next Step Broadway), and Kristin Bratton (Barebones Theatre).

Calendar Listing & Ticket Information

• Production: Comfort Food by Rob Roznowski
• Presented by: Oakland Theatre Project
• Dates & Time: August 12, 13, and 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Theatre Arts Lab at Groves High School
  • 31301 Evergreen Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025
  • *park near the auditorium and enter behind the auditorium through the set of double doors
• Admission: $15.00 per ticket.
  • Tickets are available exclusively at the door via cash or check only (no credit cards accepted).
• Audience Note: Patrons are welcome and encouraged to bring their own dinner to enjoy during the show. Non-alcoholic beverages only. Light refreshments will be available to purchase as well.