An outrageously funny and well-done production of Becky Mode’s play about an aspiring actor named Sam who works in the basement of a posh restaurant in New York, answering the phone number for reservations, is on deck right now at the TheaterWorks hangout in the Wadsworth Athenaeum. It was directed by Bill Fenelly, and stars dozens of persons ranging from the head chef to the seating manager to thirty or so clients calling for reservations and several food editors and master chefs – ALL OF THEM voiced and personified by one actor: Jamison Stern.
The set (Brian Prather) involves a crowded basement with multiple shelves and a command center with several in-lines and a small computer. John Lasiter designed the lighting, and Frederick Kennedy the wonderful sound effects which tip us off to who’s calling from upstairs
There’s little to say about this wonderful show but ‘pick up the phone now and see if you can get a reservation at TheaterWorks tonight.’ (860-527-7838) Or the next night. Or the next. You can check out the possibilities at www.theaterworkshartford.org
Be prepared for one of the funniest, and fun, evenings you’ve ever had. One caveat. Not terribly good for young children. Some of the folks Sam has to deal with use strong language. Every aspiring young actor should be required to see it, though.
Tom Nissley for the Ridgelea Reports on Theatre August 16, 2019
