Last weekend I caught
Fully Committed by Becky Mode at the Varscona Theatre presented by Teatro Live! It was a fabulous show! Although ostensibly there is only one character, the much put upon Sam, the stage feels full of oddballs and quirky personalities as Andrew MacDonald-Smith performs a masterclass in how to do a one-man show. He deftly and hilariously creates every character on the other end of the phone (or intercom) physically becoming both sides of the conversation. The pace from one character to another is break-neck but MacDonald-Smith performs it all like a well-rehearsed dance. It's pretty seamless! It's a clever play, telling the story of an actor who works on the reservation phone line for a much in demand New York restaurant. Everyone wants a table, but the restaurant is fully committed for the next three months. Of course, VVVIPs (marked in burgundy) often get to skip the line, and although the reservationist is not allowed to accept gifts, that doesn't mean they aren't offered. 
It's a challenging thing to be the low-man in a busy organization and the trickle down of unwanted jobs and demands for Sam's time made me anxious and tense as I have often been in that position as the person who is asked to get things done. I was very invested in whether Sam would get to go home for Christmas, or get the call-back from his audition, or solve the problems presented by Bryce from Gwynneth Paltrow's office. I won't tell you how, but suffice it to say, I felt MY shoulders relax when Sam's collection of facts and bargaining chips allowed him to end up on top.
It's a terrific show and runs about 90 minutes that clip along so fast you're surprised when it's over!
Fully Committed is presented by Teatro Live! and runs to
June 21st at the Varscona Theatre. Tickets are $25-$42 and can be purchased
here. There are also special events and Pay-What-You-Can Nights.
Photo Credit: Marc J Chalifoux Photography
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