“Fully Committed” – The Phoenix Theatre Company

Chris Curcio July 13, 2024 Theater 1 Comment

Theater Review – July 13, 2024

“FULLY COMMITTED” IS MADCAP FUN IN A WONDERFULLY ADEPT TPTC PRODUCTION

“FULLY COMMITTED”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hardes Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

We all know how challenging it is to secure a reservation at a swank and very hot restaurant.  That is the premise of “Fully Committed,” a delightful new comic bauble on display at The Phoenix Theatre Company.

We are in a nameless but extremely popular New York City eatery but we aren’t in the pristine restaurant but in the basement.  Sam, a struggling Broadway actor, is employed to take reservations for this highly popular food emporium.  This is the type of job out-of-work actors take until they get into a show.  It pays the bills and allows them to pursue their challenging career goals.

Sam must deal with a myriad of individuals seeking the impossible to obtain reservations.  Sam must also deal with moody restaurant staff.  He must use every bit of tactful diplomacy plus outright lies to keep the seekers happy, cajoling the staff, and keeping himself sane.  Since he missed his food pick-up, boy is he hungry.  He tries to juggle these insane tricksters who try to secure a table using anything and everything that might lock in a cherished table.

The unique thing about “Fully Committed” is that one performer essays Sam and the multitude of other people.  So, with multiple voices, clever displays of gymnastic mayhem, and gawky expressions, Sam talks to everybody while trying to keep everyone happy and focused.

It’s quite a job and on opening night Alison Campbell handled the multiple personalities with careful and studied aplomb always making it clear who is talking.  Campbell shares the role with Wesley Bradstreet as they portray Sam at alternative performances.

As directed swiftly and cleverly by Chelsea Anderson, the show never slows down as Sam gallops around the stage.  The malarkey happens on scenic designer Douglas Clarke’s crowded basement where Sam takes calls on the reservation telephone plus two internal communication devices used for staff discussions.

It’s all exuberantly paced mayhem focusing on the performer executing Sam as he blasts around the overstocked basement with a gusto and crazy abandon.  Just before the play’s conclusion, the long-awaited call comes offering him a performing job at Lincoln Center that promises to remove Sam from his wacky job for good.  Sam departs boasting a bunch of clever points and useful lies for the next person trying to fill this fancy restaurant.

“Fully Committed” is a comic delight and it continues through August 11.  To order tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre Company box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.

Grade: A

 

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One Response to ““Fully Committed” – The Phoenix Theatre Company”

  1. jackie in Arizona said:

    Jul 23, 24 at 10:24

    I was also there opening night and I found it very dated, who reserves by telephone…she was just so frantic, with side conversations and trying to take so many parts that it was uncomfortable to watch. Often I wasn’t sure which person she was trying to be. also repetitious. I usually like everything PHX Theatre does but not this one. You and I emailed about the parking dilemma also…it will only get worse. best wishes,Jackie