Via Community News Service, a VTSU-Castleton internship, for Rutland Herald
RUTLAND — April 13 was a great night for local foodies and fans of popular cooking shows, like “Good Eats” and “Iron Chef,” as world-renowned chef and television personality, Alton Brown, stirred up humor and science in Rutland.
Brown brought his “A Night of Alton Brown” live show to the Paramount Theatre, featuring new stories, jokes and inventions, as well as some fan favorites from his previous live show, “Edible/Inedible.” He also incorporated exciting segments of interactions with audience members, inviting volunteers to help perform some of his shenanigans.
The chef enthralled an enthusiastic crowd with back-and-forth banter between him and outspoken fans who shouted out answers and comments to his questions and stories.
Brown delivered personal stories, anecdotes and visual demonstrations to keep the crowd entranced. One of these stories was about how making martinis with his father as a kid eventually led to the idea for the hit show, “Good Eats.” He said his father died when he was just 10 years old, but these early memories stuck with him.
Brown had many admirers in the crowd, including lifelong fans like VIP member Josh Pentleton. He said he did not know what to expect from the show but that he had been a fan since he was a kid.
“I honestly have no idea what I’m getting myself into. I’m excited that he’s bringing food in,” Pentleton said.
Sarah Christie, a fellow VIP fan, said she was interested in seeing how he incorporates different elements.
“I’m kind of curious at how he incorporates science in his cooking,” she said. “It should be interesting.”
Other VIP members who attended described themselves as “Alton Brown nerds” and said they wanted to be more up-close and personal with the chef.
“We watch Alton Brown in the background when we’re doing stuff around the house,” Jack Flynn said. “So, we came to the VIP thing just to kind of understand Alton Brown as a person a little bit more.”
Another VIP fan, Sarah Brunner, said she was curious about the stage sets and props.
“I’m excited to see a live version of the sets and props and stuff that he creates,” she said.
Brown concluded the show with a humorous Thanksgiving Day turkey story, which he punch-lined with a nod back to his martini-making skills, summing up a wild, witty and fun show that complemented a wild, witty and fun man.