Seared by Theresa Rebeck

Photo by Joan Marcus

On Sunday, I went to see Theresa Rebeck's play, Seared at MCC Theater. The story is centered around Harry, a chef and his business partner Mike trying to take their restaurant to the next level otherwise they will lose the business. Raul Esparza playing Harry is sensational as the temperamental chef. His whole body at times vibrates with power as he and David Mason (Mike) spar in the kitchen about everything. The underlying crux is creative passion versus profit. Mr. Mason (Mike) held his own against Harry.

W. Trey Davis (Rodney) and Krysta Rodriguez (Emily) are wonderful counterpoint characters to Mike and Harry.  Mr. Davis steals a couple of scenes with his subtle but striking performance. He's got some really great one-liners. Ms. Rodriguez, as the consultant, manipulates and wrangles the characters to do her bidding. She plays a fine line between conductor and observer.  As an ensemble they worked really well together and played off each other beautifully.

As far as the story goes, I wanted more.  Mike is worried about money and being able to turn a profit. I wish his character had a little more to him other than the bottom line. He was at the end of his tether...yes, he could lose everything AND then what? Harry's character was a bit more developed, he cared about the creativity of his kitchen but he was also a hypocrite which is why his character is more interesting. That duality makes for a more rounded character.  Emily as the counterpoint character plays pretty well...she helps raise the stakes. But everything she does is pretty expected.  I was waiting for the unexpected, some  slight twist that I could sink my teeth into (pun intended).

I am a big fan of Ms. Rebeck, I think her level of work is pretty amazing. I go to the theater not just as an audience member but as a writer.  There are moments that I enjoy more because of her clever writing. I appreciate her craft and I know I have a lot to learn for my own work.  I just appreciate the work that she is putting out in the world. 

-Lily

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