The recipe box

Del Shores to Direct Only the Second Production of His New Play at
Austin Rainbow Theatre

Austin, TX — Austin Rainbow Theatre (ART) will present the Regional Premiere of The
Recipe Box, the newest play by acclaimed playwright Del Shores, who will travel to Austin this
August to direct the production himself. Running September 4–19 at Ground Floor Theatre, the
production marks only the second staging of the play anywhere, giving Austin audiences a
rare opportunity to experience Shores’ latest work under the playwright’s own direction.

Best known for Sordid Lives, Southern Baptist Sissies, and Daddy’s Dyin’… Who’s Got the Will?,
Shores has become one of the defining voices of Southern queer stories. His signature blend of
dark comedy, outrageous family dysfunction, and heartfelt honesty has earned him a devoted
following among audiences who see their own families reflected in his distinctly Southern
stories. His unforgettable characters have been brought to life on stage and screen by an
extraordinary roster of performers, including Leslie Jordan, Olivia Newton-John, Bonnie Bedelia,
Delta Burke, Caroline Rhea, Beth Grant, Rue McClanahan, Beau Bridges, and Whoopi
Goldberg.

Joining Shores for this production is longtime collaborator Emerson Collins, who starred in the
film adaptation of Southern Baptist Sissies and has been a key contributor to Shores’ celebrated
body of work. Collins will lead the cast of The Recipe Box, continuing a creative partnership that
has helped bring many of Shores’ most beloved characters to life.
In The Recipe Box, Shores turns his sharp eye toward a gay couple navigating the end of their
marriage. When one husband unexpectedly finds himself living with his former mother-in-law—a
gambling-addicted Southern firecracker—old wounds, family secrets, and plenty of hilarious
dysfunction bubble to the surface. The result is quintessential Del Shores: biting comedy,
unforgettable characters, and heartfelt moments that celebrate chosen family, forgiveness, and
the enduring power of love.

In addition, Shores and Collins will headline the Glitter & Gossip Social, Austin Rainbow
Theatre’s annual fundraiser on Sunday, September 6 from 1 – 4 PM. Guests will enjoy stories
from Shores’ career in theatre, television, and film, live entertainment from Austin artists, Southern-inspired food and drinks, and other surprises while supporting ART’s mission to
amplify queer voices.