Just Desserts, A Musical Bake-Off

 Just Desserts
A Musical Bake-Off
AMT Theater
February 4, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Just Desserts, A Musical Bake-Off

Just Desserts, A Musical Bake-Off is a fresh new Off-Broadway musical with a poignant message.  The score, by Brad Ross, is lighthearted and fun.  The lyrics, by Barbara Campbell, dive deep into the backgrounds and motivations of the characters.  Director Tom Wallace magnifies the humor in Ms. Campbell's book, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.  Each cast member creates an identifiable character the audience roots for, even when they are suspected of foul play. 

The Jefferson County Fair Bake-Off is down to five finalists.  Mildred (played by Klea Blackhurst) is a four-time Bake-Off champion.  She is confident she will be taking the prize home again this year.  Emma (played by Tori Jade Lopez) was runner up last year.  She is young and has a bright future ahead of her, having just graduated from business school.  She is driven, focused, and dedicated.  Brandy (played by Lauren Nicole Sherwood) is no stranger to contests, having competed in beauty pageants her whole life.  This is, however, her first baking challenge, and she admits that she doesn’t like to cook.  Lou (played by JP Sarro) is a new resident of Jefferson County.  He is from Brooklyn and wants to open his own Italina restaurant.  Jean (played by Gina Lamparella) is a school nurse and doesn’t think she deserves to be in the finals.  She and Lou share an attraction that Brandy is continually egging on.  Zack (played by Michael Hunsaker) is the MC for the event, as well as the local weatherman.  He keeps the competition focused and moving, even though there are other places he’d rather be.  Each contestant has a lot at stake.  Some are willing to go further than others to take home to prize. 

Lauren Nicole Sherwood, Tori Jade Lopez, Klea Blackhurst, JP Sarro, & Gina Lamparella
Photo courtesy of Just Desserts, A Musical Bake-Off

Michael Hunsaker opens the show as Zack, the MC.  He is bold and energetic, setting the pace and humor that continues throughout the show.  Klea Blackhurst takes center stage, literally, as Mildred.  The character is a successful businesswoman who is very well known in the county.  She has a cold heart and is suspected of underhanded behavior.  When she reveals her personal story in Act II, she wins over her fellow contestants and every member of the audience. 

Lauren Nicole Sherwood grabs the audience’s attention from her first entrance as Brandy.  The character is openhearted and enthusiastic.  Ms. Sherwood portrays this with joy and vigor.  Tori Jade Lopez creates a multi-layered character with Emma.  She is sweet, cunning, naïve, and ambitious.  Ms. Lopez reveals these traits in the way she reacts and relates to the other characters, creating truthful moments that build a complete and genuine character. 

Gina Lamparella plays Jean as shy and unassuming.  The strength in her performance is in the subtlety of her portrayal.  She is underplayed and boldy resonant.  JP Sarro is gruff and gentle as Lou.  He and Ms. Lamparello have a tender connection, adding a sentimental layer to the over-the-top storyline. 

Be prepared to purchase sweets at the conclusion of the performance. The producers have invited some of the finest bakers to sell their creations in the lobby after the show.  For the matinee I attended, Rachel Cheng, a student from the Culinary Arts Program at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, sold two of her original recipe cookies.  The Lemon-Glazed Earl Grey Cookies are as enticing as they sound.  The Neapolitan Cookies are a delectable mixture of flavors.  She was supported in her successful venture by her fellow students from the Business Academy at John Dewey.  

Just Desserts, A Musical Bake-Off is playing at AMT Theater (354 W. 45 St.) through February 22.  It is a heartwarming and delightful production.  Go see it!

Domenick Danza