Written and directed by Marion J. Caffey, Cookin' at the Cookery delves into the life of the legendary blues singer and international star Hunter, who gave up her career after the death of her mother. As she is set to return to the stage 20 years later, we see through flashbacks her rise to fame.

Among the songs Hunter made famous include "Rough and Ready Man," "My Castle's Rockin'," "I'm Having a Good Time," "Down Hearted Blues" and "The Love I Have for You."

Janice Lorraine (Ragtime, Grease) stars opposite Duquesnay in the San Jose run. Danny Holgate handles musical supervision and arrangements. George Caldwell is the musical director.

The design team for Cookin' at the Cookery features Dale F. Jordan (scenic and lighting), Marilyn A. Wall (costume), Bettie O. Rogers (wig and hair) and Steve Schoenbeck (sound).

Duquesnay won her Tony for her performance in Noise/ Funk. She also appeared on Broadway in It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues, Jelly's Last Jam, The Wiz and Blues in the Night. Other credits include Spunk, Civil War and Bubbling Brown Sugar. She has starred in this role in a previous staging at The Melting Pot Theatre in New York City. Playwright-director Caffey also helped create Three Mo' Tenors, Street Corner Symphony and Blackbirds of Broadway.

For tickets to Cookin' at the Cookery at San Jose Rep, the Rep Box Office, located at 101 Paseo de San Antonio, call (408) 367-7255. For more information visit www.sjrep.com.