Photo Flash: First Look at Rick Bayless and More in CASCABEL at Lookingglass Theatre; Show Extends thru Aug 31

Lookingglass Theatre, Frontera Grill and Silverguy Entertainment announce an extension to the wildly popular return of Rick Bayless in Cascabel: Dinner -- Daring -- Desire, the unforgettable theatrical adventure featuring a sumptuous feast, world-class circus acts, and a tantalizing love story starring celebrity chef Rick Bayless that had Chicago audiences spellbound when it premiered in spring 2012. The extremely limited engagement is co-created by Rick Bayless, Lookingglass Ensemble Member Heidi Stillman (Hephaestus, The Brothers Karamazov, Hard Times), and Artistic Associate and founder of Silverguy Entertainment Tony Hernandez (Hephaestus, Lookingglass Alice). Cascabel runs at the Goodman Theatre's Owen Bruner Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, now playing through August 31, 2014. Scroll down for a first look at the show!

Cascabel features the return of Rick Bayless in the role of Cook; Lookingglass Artistic Associate Tony Hernandez on the high wire as the Houseboy; Chiara Mangiameli as Señora of the Boardinghouse Cascabel; Lookingglass Ensemble Member Thomas J. Cox as Suitor and Artistic Associate Lindsey Noel Whiting as Daughter. Carlo Basile returns as Musician, with new cast members Heloise Bourgeois (Solitary Traveler), Genevieve Drolet (Bathing Chica), William Underwood (Solitary Traveler), Daniel Passer (Gardener), Lauren Katz (Gardener's Wife), and J. Salome Martinez (Maitre d').

This one-of-a-kind experience played to sold out houses in 2012. Now the unforgettable theatrical adventure is back for a limited engagement with a new menu, new circus elements, and at a new venue. Cascabel is sensory dining unlike anything you've ever experienced: it's a sumptuous gourmet Mexican feast, world-class circus acts, exhilarating flamenco, hilarious comedy and a tantalizing love story starring celebrity chef Rick Bayless.

Cascabel audiences will join the guests of the boardinghouse Cascabel at their courtyard table where they will enjoy the same meal the Chef is preparing for the boarding house residents. From his meager kitchen, the mysterious new cook conjures an enchanting cuisine, which seems to give those who eat it fantastic and magical abilities. But he is singularly focused on the proprietress of the house, a melancholy woman with no interest in his food, who barely ever leaves her room. Will she ever try a bite? And what will happen if she does?

Most people know Rick Bayless from winning the title of Bravo's Top Chef Masters. His Public Television Series, Mexico -- One Plate at a Time is broadcast coast to coast. His restaurants include Frontera Grill (winner of The James Beard Foundation's highest award, Outstanding Restaurant, in 2007), The 4-star Toplobampo, LEED GOLD-certified XOCO, as well as quick-service restaurants at O'Hare Airport, Macy's stores and Northwestern University. Rick has won six James Beard Awards: Midwest Chef of the Year, National Chef of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Who's Who of American Food and Drink, plus two for his cookbooks.

Lookingglass season subscriptions and tickets to Rick Bayless in Cascabel are available online, www.lookingglasstheatre.org; by phone, (312) 337-0665; or at the Lookingglass Theatre box office, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays. The lobby opens at 7:00pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, and at 5:00pm on Sundays. Tickets start at $215. Each ticket includes hors d'oeuvres, a three-course dinner, and wine and beer selected by Chef Bayless. Prices may increase, based on demand. Information on wine pairings, food allergies and dietary restrictions is available at lookingglasstheatre.org/cascabel.

Photo Credit: Liz Lauren