In some towns, it’s pies, in others it might be pickles or preserves — but in Killaloe, Ontario, the highlight of the fair is the annual Wayne Rose Memorial Chili Cook Off.
Running until September 6 at Ottawa Little Theatre, Kristen Da Silva’s comedy Five Alarm brings that tradition to the stage, telling the story of Wayne Rose’s daughter, Ava, who is determined to honour her father’s memory by finally bringing home the trophy.
This year, Ava (Janhabi Nandy) enlists a new helper: Ellen (Sarah Parsons), a quirky young woman whose sunny outlook and can-do spirit almost make up for her complete lack of cooking skills. Though her contribution rarely goes beyond stirring the pot, Ellen’s innocence and charm gradually reveal surprising shades from her spicy past.
ABOVE: Kate Salmon as Connie, joined by her sous-chef Tucker (Michael Moreno). RIGHT: First-time cook Ellen (Sarah Parsons) with the determined Ava (Janhabi Nandy).
Their fiercest rival is five-time winner Connie (Kate Salmon), flanked by her ambitious sidekick Tucker (Michael Moreno). Connie arrives dressed for arm-to-arm combat rather than for a day of chopping vegetables. Both women are fueled by a burning desire to win—for Ava, it’s the warm glow of family tradition; for Connie, a blaze stoked by grief and resentment.
Da Silva’s dialogue wonderfully captures the quirks and closeness of small-town life, while the antics—at times absurd—of the two assistants keep the laughs rolling. The play’s running metaphor of heat becomes both comedic and revealing—never more so than when Ellen, on Tucker’s advice, tastes every single ingredient.
Directed by Greg Hancock, Five Alarm is more than a cook-off at the county fair. It’s a lighthearted, affectionate look at friendship, small-town feuds that can simmer for years, and long-standing relationships. The production is crisp, the performances strong, and the pacing sure to keep audiences engaged and chuckling right up until the house lights come on.
The set design is simple yet effective, evoking a country fair down to the pennant flags strung along the picket fence—a deceptive simplicity that reveals the great skill behind it.
And the winner of the cook-off? No spoilers here, you’ll have to see for yourself.
Five Alarm runs until September 6, 2025. Tickets are available at ottawalittletheatre.com or by calling the box office at 613-233-8948.
Photos: Maria Vartanova
