Someone’s in the Kitchen

How to Use a Knife

Someone’s in the Kitchen

Ensemble acting, passionate storytelling and visceral theatrical experiences are all traits of this intimate storefront company that’s been doing great work for the past 27 seasons. In yet another noteworthy Chicago premiere, Shattered Globe Theatre introduces Windy City audiences to playwright Will Snider, with this daring, dashing new drama set in the prep kitchen of Wall Street restaurant. Amid the chaos of chopping, cooking, plating and delivering high end dinners to affluent customers, a tense situation unfolds.

Within the topsy-turvy turmoil that goes on behind the scenes of any restaurant, Michael, the owner of a respectable Manhattan eatery, introduces his kitchen staff to George, their new chef. The two men used to work together long ago, but at that time the tables were turned. George was in charge and Michael was his line cook. But Fate is a cruel woman and George has certainly experienced his share of highs and lows. Now, Michael’s giving his old buddy a chance at a new start in life.

George is a brusque, tough cookie. He’s a no nonsense drill sergeant who’s very hands-on and unwilling to take any crap from any of his employees. He lets cooks Carlos and Spanish-speaking Miguel know, in no uncertain terms, who’s the boss. He does the same, but with less patience and affection, with food runner, the college-educated, Jack. But George finds the reticent dishwasher, Steve, to be especially intriguing. 

George takes a dedicated interest in the African immigrant, discovering that while he can teach Steve how to use a knife to become a fine chef, Steve has a few skills he’s willing and able to instruct George. The dishwasher knows how to erase all George’s stress by teaching him a meditation technique that’ll bring the desired peace and tranquility to this highly agitated middle-aged man. What George doesn’t anticipate is how deep and dark a past Steve has experienced and what horrific secrets he’s shared. Only when Kim, an African American immigration agent, shows up in the kitchen asking questions about a certain war criminal does George begin to question his friendship with his new cooking apprentice.

Master director Sandy Shinner, whose inspirational work has been enjoyed and admired all over the country, magnificently guides this ensemble cast to perfection. Her fast-paced production, which comes in at an hour and forty minutes, speeds along with rapid-fire, adult dialogue and pulls no punches. It lays it all out there on the stage from all angles, with no questions asked. 

As always at Shattered Globe, this ensemble cast is superior. Peter DeFaria, seen at A Red Orchid, Steppenwolf, Northlight, Windy City Playhouse and other theatres around town, absolutely owns this production. As George, he’s a powerhouse of emotion and blustering expletives. No one is immune to his observations and anger and he runs his kitchen like a tight ship. In this production Mr. DeFaria portrays a chef who views himself a guide for those worthy of receiving his wisdom. However, George’s eyes are widely opened as the tables turn and the teacher suddenly becomes the student.

Anthony Irons, making his welcome debut at Shattered Globe, was recently seen at Congo Square in their highly-rated production of “Jitney.” As Steve, Anthony is patient, composed, eloquent and a man of mystery. Beneath the surface, Steve’s passion for his past simmers and boils, ready to burst to the surface. When that happens the audience fears for what’s to come next.

As Michael, Brad Woodard, a longtime veteran of the Chicago theatre scene, is a wheeler-dealer brimming with schemes and ideas to make his restaurant the best in New York City. He’s very much like George, in many ways. Both men are fast-talking, overzealous, uncompromising individuals who dominate those around them. Mr. Woodard is, once again, a powerful actor who brings it all to this role. As Kim, Michelle Bester is also George’s equal. She’s on a mission, with an important job to do in locating a war criminal, and nothing is going to get in her way. Ms. Bester, last seen in TimeLine’s “The Vibrator Play,” as well at Windy City Playhouse in “Bootycandy,” dominates every scene in which she appears. This is another strong actress who commands the stage, and who, hopefully, we’ll see a lot more of in the near future.

As the rest of the restaurant staff, Dillon Kelleher plays Jack, the establishment’s runner/server, as a cocky, self-entitled young man who feels no guilt finishing his customer’s undrunk wine, or lording over the Hispanic line workers. He’s a somewhat likable kid whose smug arrogance challenges George’s authority. As Carlos, Dennis Garcia is affable and impish, ready to joke with his co-workers and yet very protective of his fellow line cook, Miguel, played beautifully by Victor Marana. Both actors work extremely well together to create a united force, particularly when bantering with, or standing up agains, George and Jack.

This is a remarkably strong, extremely visceral production, and a great introduction to the work of Will Snider. Directed by Sandy Shinner, with great energy, care and a nod to detail, every moment of this production hums with tension. Jeffrey Bauer’s carefully designed restaurant kitchen set allows ample room for this brilliant cast to play out this taut, restless drama. It’s a story that could’ve been ripped from today’s headlines. Kudos also to Abigail Cain for her meticulously chosen props and set dressing. Shattered Globe once again demonstrates why, after almost three decades of entertaining, solid, soul-searching productions, they continue to be among Chicago’s finest theatre companies.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas          

Presented April 26-June 9 by Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-975-8150 or by going to www.shatteredglobe.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.