By Ande Jacobson

Tabard Theatre Company finishes its season of “twists and turns” with Love, Laughter & Linguine. Written and directed by Cathy Spielberger Cassetta and Doug Baird, this production is a celebration of life as seen through the eyes of seven women. The story is ostensibly a memorial for a recently departed mentor and friend filled with fond remembrances, but the message is clear. Treasure those who are important to you always, and celebrate the joys that life has to offer.

The show is filled with music from the American Songbook arranged by music director Joseph T. Reichert and Jeremy Harris. The music includes many well-known pieces, some lesser known songs, and an original number written especially for this production by Reichert.

Cast members Scarlett Davis, Anna L. Joham, Carol Lanoie, Irene Trapp (also the vocal director), Amanda Vogel, Sarah Vogel, and Paula Warren bring a brightness and love of life to their characters. Lively dances choreographed by Lanoie, Sarah Vogel, and Cassetta are woven into the touching plot.

Rounding out the folks on stage, Reichert directs his four piece band from his drum set as they accompany the cast in lovely ballads, big band jazz, a touch of gospel, and some good old fashioned rock and roll. Musicians include John Iosefa, Samuel Cisneros, and Doug McGrath splitting performances on piano; Tom Dossa and Greg Goebel taking turns on bass; and yours truly on clarinet, alto sax, and flute.

The show runs through 27 April 2014 at the Theatre on San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose with only five performances left. See: http://tinyurl.com/m63l8xg for more information.

(Photo courtesy of Tabard Theatre Company)