Ted Dykstra is currently starring as Cale Blackwell in the rock-gospel Fire at Canadian Stage Company’s Bluma Appel Theatre continuing until April 19. Ted reprises the Dora Award-winning role he created two decades earlier. Ted (who is also a composer) is the Musical Director for the production. His wife, singer/songwriter Melanie Doane, is the show’s Associate Music Director. The show holds special significance for the couple who first met when they both worked on the original production. After its Toronto run, the production goes to Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre.
Q: What is your fondest memory from your family kitchen?
A: It would have to be Christmas dinner, with extended family. The kids (myself included) would be at a card table and the adults at the big table.
Q: What kitchen aromas bring back fond memories?
A: My mom’s meatball soup. I’m 47 and she still makes it when I go to Edmonton for a visit. She knows I expect to smell it the moment I walk into her place.
Q: Who is your favourite cook?
A: Jazz FM’s Brad Barker. He does things on a barbeque that defy description.
Q: What is your favourite food to cook?
A: Filet mignon on the barbeque, medium rare.
Q: Do you use cookbooks?
A: Occasionally but I’m more of a “little of this, little of that” kind of guy.
Q: How did the first meal you prepared turn out?
A: When I was in theatre school in Montreal I had friends over for pasta and meat sauce out of a bottle. I think it went well, mostly because of the large amounts of red wine that was consumed.
Q: What kitchen appliance can you not live without?
A: The toaster. I am a toast man.
Q: What traditions from your background involving food do you partake in?
A: When the nights get cold, the Dutch (my folks are Dutch immigrants) make “Farmer’s Hash” (that’s my best attempt at translating the original!) which consists of boiled Kale mashed up with potatoes, tons of gravy and a huge sausage. It can’t be beat. I also love Dutch licorice, the double salt kind.
