By Al Benson
She wasn’t French.
She learned to be a chef at Paris’ cooking school.
But for an hour Sunday, Jan. 29 late Julia “French chef” Child came alive at Batavia Public Library.
With a Child-style wig and 1960s garb, Darien actress, author and historian, Leslie Goddard dramatically portrayed Child from birth to death.
Goddard performed “Julia Child: Bon Appetit!” a one-woman show, in the library’s Sundays on Stage series.
As Child, Goddard explored everything from Child’s childhood in Cambridge, Mass., to her relationship with her husband, Paul, to the mishaps of cooking on television.
According to the performer, Julia McWilliams and Paul Child met during World War II while both served in the Office of Strategic Services, forerunner of the CIA.
Julia Child gained fame after her book, “Mastering the art of French Cooking,” led to three episodes on Boston-based WGBH-TV, a public-access station.
The shows generated calls to the station that resulted in 13 more more episodes.
Child completed more than 200 more episodes.
She retired in 2001 and died in 2004 at age 91.
Goddard has been writing and lecturing about topics in American history and women’s history for more than 20 years.
She has performed her history presentations in more than 30 states.
Goddard holds a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies and a masters degree in museum studies.
Her books include “Remembering Marshall Field’s” and “Chicago’s Sweet Candy History.”
Sponsored by the Batavia Library Foundation, Sundays on Stage continues Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. with “That’s Amore!”
Cabaret vocalist Heather Braoudakis will sing love songs from musical theater, including “That’s Amore,” “When I Fall in Love” and “It had to be You.”
Admission and parking are free. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/yyv5ks5z.