Touchingly honest and, sometimes, zany look at the challenges of aging, "Potato Gumbo" tells the poignant story of Gretchen and Thomas, her dream, ill-gotten handcuffs, a diagnosis, and adult children who must parent parents. Gretchen could create the ideal recipe if she could get to the New Orleans School of Cooking. Her whimsical and light-fingered ways draw Thomas into her schemes, but an impromptu road trip ends with return under police escort. Darkly serious issues begin bubbling up: Is Gretchen’s “whimsy” declining mental faculties or worse? How much can one old heart endure? When must elder care end and control begin?
Cast:
GRETCHEN NELSEN (older woman) Delightful lady with a propensity to acquire things that don't actually belong to her.
THOMAS TRAHAN (older male) An active, older widower who's not quite ready to give in to just being old.
BARBARA WINTER (middle aged female) Gretchen's responsible daughter trying to balance the challenges of becoming a parent to her parent.
JACK TRAHAN (middle age male) Thomas's easy-going and supportive son.
JIM CAPPAZOLLI (older male) Gentleman with a cane, an outrageous wardrobe and the recipe for an assortment of cocktails.
GAIL JOHNSON (older female) A true lady and the friend we all wish we had.
DONNA HOLBROOK (flexible casting) Administrator for Casa della Vecchia. Can be rather two-faced and neither face is pretty. * Can be cast as a male/Don