Spicy 'Chapatti' sizzles in San Diego, Montana's bold Bair museum takes public behind scenes

A beautifully acted comedy drama at North Coast Repertory Theatre
features Anabella Price and Mark Bramhall as Dubliners Betty and Dan.  

'CHAPATTI' IS CHARMING, FUNNY LOVE STORY WITH AN IRISH BROGUE

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

IF YOU ENJOY fine theater, a loyal cat or dog and a charming love story, you still have a few days to catch "Chapatti," at North Coast Repertory Theatre.
The beautifully directed, well acted two-person show tells the tale of two lonely animal lovers who meet in a Dublin veterinary clinic.
He's grieving the loss of a longtime lover and contemplating parting with his rescue-dog Chapatti, to pave the way for suicide. She's a classic "cat lady," long since given up on romance. They are human posters for the "get a friend" campaign and we're cheering them on toward romance.

Play goers mingle at North Coast Repertory Theatre.
 "Chapatti," (an Indian bread, and a pet dog's name)
runs through Nov. 15 and is highly recommended. 

TALENTED ACTORS Mark Bramhall and Anabella Price play the parts of two lonely, opinionated people who have more in common than they suspect.  Billed as a "heartwarming second-chance comedy," it celebrates life and the capacity to heal, continue and be open to love. Tony award-winning actress Judith Ivey directs the Christian O'Reilly work with a winning warmth and humor. Don't miss it, and consider subscribing to the Rep season, which ranges from a Christmas classic to Sherlock Holmes on the frontier, to an adaptation of a William Faulkner story, a Fats Waller tribute and the classic "Hedda Gabler." www.northcoastrep.org

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The Bair collection of antiques, silver, china and crystal,
includes sewing machines and vintage photos in the Barn.

UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS AT MONTANA MUSEUM

A PIONEERING Montana family dined on Limoges and Waterford crystal, but was equally at home "on the range" in jeans and cowboy hats.

Alberta Bair: Montana
philanthropist.

The Charles Bair family -- the elder Bair, his wife Mary and daughters Marguerite and Alberta -- left a rare legacy to Montana when the last of the family, Alberta, passed away in the late 1990s, leaving millions in trust for a museum on the ranch property near Martinsdale, Montana.

The Bair home is open to the public this weekend.
The art museum is free and tours are discounted.

That came to pass, with a beautiful facility built near the original home. This Saturday, Nov. 14, visitors will have the rare, once-a-year opportunity to visit the museum, then tour the downstairs home and upstairs private family quarters at the Bair Family Museum. Museum director Elizabeth Guheen says, "Each year, we bring out collection items that are not displayed year-round. Saturday, we feature the Bair family’s formal china and dinnerware, plus everyday dishes." All the home's tables will showcase eclectic linens, silver and china -- from Minton porcelain to Limoges bouillon cups brought home after a Paris visit.

Cygnet Theatre in Old Town just completed a pair of Noel Coward works.

The popular tour day is offered for a discount: $3 for adults, free for 16 and under. The Bair Art Museum and Barn are also free during the weekend holiday open house. Coffee, cider, hot chocolate and treats will be served in the Bair Barn. Check it out if you're near Montana.  www.bairfamilymuseum.org

COMING UP NEXT: On the 10th anniversary of the departure of writer and artist Bill Jones, we reflect on a life well lived!
Then -- a celebration of theater. San Diego is alive with fantastic plays. Many Broadway shows got their start in this southern California cultural mecca: ("Jersey Boys," "The Book of Mormon" and more...) We look at upcoming seasons, from San Diego Repertory Theatre to La Jolla Playhouse and Cygnet. Explore, learn and live and check us out weekends and as the spirit moves at: www.whereiscookie.com