Discover Cape Cod’s Foodie Charms with Christine Pedi
When not performing off-Broadway, “Lady of a Thousand Voices” Christine Pedi uses her talents as host of the Sirius XM ‘On Broadway’ Channel. She shares one of her favorite road trips with us here.
The Interview
Where: What city are you in now?
Pedi: New York City
Where: How long have you been doing what you do?
Pedi: I’ve been a DJ on Sirius for 18 years and a working musical theatre performer for almost 30.
Where: What was the last theatrical project you were working on?
Pedi: I was working on a hysterical, satirical political review “Everybody Rise” with lyrics by Joe Keenan set to popular standards and Broadway tunes. We were about to start a series at Birdland when Covid hit. That was right at the time of the shutdown and no one was in the mood to laugh about anything…not even the President. But happily, I continued my daily radio show. We’re keeping everyone’s theatre seats warm while it’s in hibernation.
Where: What is cool and important about that project?
Pedi: “Everybody Rise” is brilliant. Joe Keenan’s lyrics are stinging, witty and revelatory and allow people with a certain political perspective to have a much-needed cathartic, shared experience. While it’s very cutting and hits its intended bullseye with wicked accuracy, it also leaves everyone feeling optimistic and not alone.
Where: What are some other shows you’ve been involved with and which one is closest to your heart?
Pedi: I had a 15-year association with “Forbidden Broadway and returned to work with its creator Gerard Alessandrini as co-producer and performer in his satirical parody “Spamilton.”. The “Forbidden Broadway “family is something special. I was also thrilled to be cast as Mama Morton in “Chicago” after having seen the show over 18 times in as many years. It’s my favorite show on Broadway and it deserves its place as the longest-running American musical of all time.
Where: What cast album would you listen to on a road trip and where would you go?
Pedi: Cape Cod has been a favorite ever since I was a kid. Since the trip is kind of long, I’d listen to three albums., “Sweeney Todd”, “Cyrano” and “Pacific Overtures.”
Where: Why did you choose these albums?
Pedi: I like the “radio drama” feel they have with dialogue throughout.
Where: What is your favorite song?
Pedi: In “Cyrano,” Christopher Plummer’s ‘Nose Song’. He’s just so funny, feisty, sexy and charismatic with a razor-sharp delivery.
Where: Would you sing along?
Pedi: YAYUS!!!!! Except at the very end when I’d just be sobbing. It’s so heartbreaking and beautiful.
Where: Where would you stop along the way?
Pedi: This trip is all about food for me. There’s such good food on the Cape. First I’d stop at Cracker Barrel. I try to sit by the fireplace. I have so many memories of stopping there and having the blueberry pancakes. They heat the syrup, which is a BIG deal to my mother. I still have assorted knickknacks from the country store. It’s tacky and frilly and jam-packed with useless adorable grandmotherly stuff and it’s become a tradition on our way to the Cape.
On the Cape, I’d stop in Chatham and get a razzleberry pie from Marion’s Pie Shop, and then at Kream N’Kone for the best deep-fried seafood that gives you that crunchy greasy salty ketchup-y feeling of summer near the ocean. The Chatham Village Bakery & Cafe has THE best doughnuts, the cake kind that are crunchy and just a tad greasy but in the best way. I love the cinnamon and sugar ones. We bring home loaves of their lighter-than-air Anadama bread. You can sit outside under the umbrellas in a little patio garden.
Provincetown has so many wonderful spots that I never want to miss because calories don’t matter once you cross the Sagamore Bridge! A slice at Spiritus pizza – its thin thin thin crust hits the spot. Not overly filling so I don’t feel so guilty. Lewis Brothers’ ice cream has a flavor I’ve only seen on the Cape, Grape Nuts. High- fiber so again I don’t feel so guilty.
Next morning….. grease and crunch again, only this time it’s the piping hot dough you can see cooking bobbing up and down in the fryer at the Provincetown Portuguese Bakery.
Where: Where would you stay?
Pedi: Lands End Inn is magical and like something out of Harry Potter. Each room is full of charm and fanciful details. I stayed in one with a wraparound porch overlooking the water. It’s at the end of town and overlooks The Red Inn that has a warm cozy vintage feel to it as well as a deck to enjoy drinks before dinner. There’s also the Anchor Inn with its fabulous views.
The Road Trip
Where to Stay
Lands End Inn, Provincetown. 18 luxurious rooms with ocean views
Anchor Inn Beach House, Provincetown. in the center of the action with a huge front porch, dogs welcome, most rooms with views of Cape Cod Bay
Where to Eat
Cracker Barrel, Wrentham. Old-fashioned country store and restaurant offering great breakfasts and knickknacks. Pancakes are legendary.
Marion’s Pie Shop, Chatham. Savory and sweet indulgences from Boston Cream pies to clam pies.
Kream N’Kone, Chatham. Fried seafood and soft-serve ice cream.
Chatham Village Bakery & Café, Chatham. Takeout and outdoor spot for bakery treats and sandwiches
Spiritus Pizza, Provincetown. Local fave for thin-crust pizza.
Lewis Brothers Ice Cream, Provincetown. Homemade ice cream.
Provincetown Portuguese Bakery, Provincetown. A taste of Portugal.
Where to Indulge
The Red Inn, Provincetown. Waterfront dining and cocktails with outside deck
Listen to Christine on Sirius XM “On Broadway” Channel, Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm EST. Download or purchase her CD “Good to Mama.” Follow her: Twitter @ChristinePedi. Facebook: ChristinePediShowBiz. Book her for cameos/meet & greets on cameo.com.