Berkshire on Stage

Capital Repertory Theatre has started its 2024/2025 season off strong! Seared is a riveting dramedy about big personalities clashing in a small kitchen.

The first thing that will strike any audience member who sits down to see Seared is the detail of the set. Set designer Brian Prather has created an entire kitchen on stage. There’s a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, hand wash station, mandatory food safety signage on the walls, a bin full of bottles of assorted sauces and dressings, and shelves stacked full of various containers of various food items, all dated for freshness the way they would be in a real kitchen. (I give kudos to stage manager Kate Kern and assistant stage manager Michaela Savoie for managing all of these moving props every show.)

What is even more impressive about the set is that it is a fully functioning kitchen. Throughout the show, actors actually cook on stage and the smell of cooking oil and garlic wafts through the theater. I advise theatergoers not to see this play on an empty stomach, lest their stomachs start growling at an audible volume.

The fully functioning kitchen and real food just adds to how realistic everything about Seared is. Playwright Theresa Rebeck tells a very believable slice-of-life story about the kitchen of a boutique restaurant in Brooklyn. Brilliant yet stubborn chef Harry (played by Caesar Samayoa) and his business partner Mike (played by Kyle Cameron) butt heads when Mike hires a consultant, Emily (played by Rin Allen), to help them boost profits. The description on Capital Rep’s website claims that Seared “asks us to consider where art ends and commerce begins,” which may be true up to a point. But more than anything it tells a realistic story that will be recognizable to those who have worked in food service, and anyone else who has experienced the tension that can arise between self-absorbed artists and their equally egotistical financial backers. (Those, like myself, who have worked in theater will certainly see the parallels between restaurateurs and thespians.)

Caesar Samayoa owns the stage as the stubborn, opinionated, and idealistic head chef. It’s hard not to like him as he argues with his more pragmatic partner about the quality and freshness of their scallop supply. (Although I may have a personal bias here as the romantic partner of a culinarily inclined man with strong opinions about food and a certain protectiveness over his kitchen space. My partner is much less of a diva than Harry, but I must admit he has his moments.) He prepares food with the attention and dexterity of someone who has cooked innumerable meals in his life and loves it every time. Even when Harry waxes philosophical about the art of food and argues about every single change made in the restaurant to a point that should be unbearable, Samayoa’s charisma shines through so that he’s always a delight to watch.

In a more understated but equally enjoyable role, Jovan Davis plays the restaurant’s waiter Rodney as a down-to-earth realist just trying to keep things together while egos clash and implode. He provides commentary that most audience-members will relate to as they watch the play unfold and ultimately becomes the only character whose personal objectives never cause him to self-destructive actions. While other characters are too busy seeking out their own goals and stroking their egos, Rodney’s main goal is to do whatever it takes to get through the dinner rush.

Samayoa and Davis are the standouts in this cast, but every member of the four-person ensemble is excellent, and they all have impeccable chemistry together. Their different personalities are highlighted by savvy costuming by Andrea Adamczyk: business casual looks for Mike, smart and chic outfits for Emily with some exceptionally sparkly accessories, and t-shirts and jeans for the casual Harry and Rodney, including one Jaws t-shirt for Harry that I found particularly amusing.

All in all, Seared is a delectable piece of theater about restaurant workers at their worst and at their best. I urge anyone who loves food–or at least eats food–to see this energetic and very funny play! 

Capital Repertory Theatre presents Seared by Theresa Rebeck, directed by Margaret E. Hall, runs from September 13 – October 6, 2024, at the REP, 251 North Pearl St., Albany, NY 12207. Cast: Caesar Samayoa as Harry, Jovan Davis as Rodney, Kyle Cameron as Mike, and Rin Allen as Emily. Set design by Brian Prather. Costume design by Andrea Adamczyk. Lighting design by Travis McHale. Sound design by Jeffrey Salerno. Casting director: Stephanie Klapper, csa. Production Stage Manager: Kate Kern. Assistant Stage Manager: Michaela Savoie. Food Designer/Safety Manager: Gabi Bazinet Douglas. Intimacy Coordinator: Yvonne Perry.

Performance dates are Tuesday–Sunday (September 13-October 6). Wednesday and Thursday performances are at 7:30pm, with one weekday matinee on Wednesday September 25 at 2pm, Friday performances are at 8pm, Saturday performances are at 3pm and 8pm, and Sunday performances are at 2pm. Tickets range from $30.50-$70.50. Runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Contains strong and vulgar language. Recommended for ages 14+. Tickets are available at the door, by phone at (518) 346-6204, or online at https://capitalrep.org/.