By Angela Peavey
Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Mason Street Warehouse presents “Fully Committed,” a smart comedy about the behind-the-scenes going-ons in a trendy five-star restaurant. The production runs from July 21- August 6. Tickets are available at sc4a.org, by calling 269-857-2399, or at the box office.
“Fully Committed” features Sam, a struggling actor who works the red-hot reservation line at one of Manhattan’s hottest restaurants. A cast of desperate callers will stop at nothing to get a reservation from him. From bribing socialites, to crazy waiters and fickle celebrities, Sam juggles a host of demanding, eccentric characters while desperately trying to keep his personal life and acting career afloat.
The New York Times called “Fully Committed,” “immensely entertaining! A richly comic affirmation of everything you’ve ever heard, or suspected, about the bad behavior that good food can inspire.” Variety says not to miss this “tasty concoction of a play.”
Written by Becky Mode and directed by David Alpert, “Fully Committed” serves up a delicious helping of juicy schemes and hilarious characters that will have you laughing out loud.
Mason Street Warehouse alumnus Francis Kelly returns in the lead role of Sam. Kelly previously appeared as Nicky/Trekkie Monster in Mason Street Warehouse’s production of “Avenue Q.” He has appeared in New York as Burrs in Michael John LaChiusa’s “The Wild Party” at Columbia Stages, in the NYMF Audience Award-winning production of “Smoking Bloomberg,” and in the Drama Desk nominated “Animal Farm.”
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts welcomes guest Director David Alpert, from Muskegon, for the production. Alpert has worked on the Broadway productions of “If/Then” and “The Trip to Bountiful,” as well as on the first national tour of “Flashdance.” He was also nominated for Best Director (NYMF) for his work on “A Scythe of Time.”
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Artistic Director Kurt Stamm notes that Alpert himself is a Mason Street Warehouse alumnus, having been a Center Stage intern in 2006. “David was already very talented and focused as a student at Western Michigan University. It has been exciting to watch his star rise in the New York theatre world, and we’re thrilled to welcome him ‘back home’ to Mason Street for this terrific piece.”
Following the run of “Fully Committed,” Mason Street Warehouse wraps up its 15th Anniversary season with the musical comedy “It Shoulda Been You” which runs from August 18 – September 3.
