How often do Portlanders get to see a real live Hollywood star up close and personal? Not often enough. But for the next week – until March 31 – you can! That’s because WE CAN EAT LOVE is playing at the small Studio Theater at Portland Stage Company with actor Whip Hubley featured in it. It was director Eileen Phelan, who approached Mr. Hubley last fall about reading for the play.

.Whip Hubley, (Aaron) who played an officer in the movie Top Gun years ago, played a wise stepfather to grieving Erik Moody (Peter). Peter’s mother. Grace Bauer, (Sally) has remarried. Therein is where the conflict begins. But when Aaron learns of Peter’s pain and a way to ease it, he’s there. “The play was a snowball that gained momentum as the show went on……” said Hal Cohen, a local playwright and actor. But it did take a while. Anyone who has ever been part of a family will relate to the themes played out so well in WE CAN EAT LOVE.

Of undeniable interest to this blogger, is the fact that Whip Hubley, (his nickname from his youth) was a cast member in the famous movie from 1986. Incidentally, there is a book out this month celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Top Gun program. The author of the book is Dan Pederson, 83, who founded the Navy Program that lasted for six decades. Pederson selected eight others to participate in the Top Gun training program. Their successes are legendary.

“I think he’ll return to the movies sometime,” said Dinah Minot, following the play. “I know my husband. We’ve been married for 40 years,” said a proud and happy wife.