“Fully Committed” a Wicked Holiday Delight!
Holiday fare can often be hackneyed, vapid, or sickly sweet;
luckily, New Rep’s production of Fully
Committed is the perfect antidote.
Sitting in the audience, the relief of my fellow theatregoers was
palpable, as we laughed, groaned, and gasped in delight at the wicked and wry
script from Becky Mode and the astonishing performance(s) from Gabriel
Kuttner.
The show is a fast-paced send-up of the weird, wonderful, horrible,
and quirky characters to be found in the world of high-class dining in New York
City. The story follows a day in the
life of typically-nice Midwestern struggling actor (Sam), who is (mistakenly) solely
responsible for the reservations department at a fancy eatery in Manhattan. Kuttner, who gives us a likable and
understandable put-upon Sam, also plays the dozens of horrid or bizarre customers trying
to get a table, along with the slightly-sadistic chef and four or five of the other restaurant staff. His ability to switch
personalities in the blink of an eye – what accent work! – is breathtaking, and
often blindingly funny. His antics often
reduced the audience to helpless laughter, but he never paused for the entire
75-minute show, mirroring the situation of poor Sam, who can’t even take a
break for a quick lunch.
The director (Bridget Kathleen O’Leary) and sound designer (Bill
Barclay) also deserve particular mention. The
timing of the sound cues was near-perfect, which can’t have been easy in a show
that must include several hundred telephone rings and intercom buzzes. All in all, this is New Rep at its best;
excellent acting, design, and direction, coupled with an edge of dark
humor. I cannot recommend this show
highly enough. It unfortunately only
plays until Dec. 30, so be sure to get your tickets soon!
~ Shauna Shames, New Rep Reviewer
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