There is a New York cliche that all the waitpersons are aspiring actors, which is probably 60 percent true. Nick Hall's Eat Your Hear Out follows Charlie (Christopher Buess) works in five different restaurants from Fall `78 through Spring '79. Charlie also narrates this simple story of desperation as he traipses from agent to agent and audition to audition. Also, though, it is the story of some of the folks he serves.
We first meet Doris (Kim Hawkins), engaged to a man she is ill-suited for, trying to enjoy what he enjoys. Also, we meet a couple (Sharon Lawson and Mark Loveless) stuck in a rut. There are more: Lawson as an older woman, a loudmouth, a talent agent; Michael Sofaer as a really rude drinker, the other waiter, an advertising agent; and Hawkins as a lovely mystery lady. For those who've had the dubious pleasure of working in the restaurant business, we've served them all.
Charlie's working at an elegant restaurant when he first meets Doris. She is trying escargot, clams, and steak tartar, all entrees her fiancee prepares. She can't stand them. Later on, Charlie's restaurant career takes a downward spiral, finally bottoming out in an unnamed restaurant mopping the floor and serving the few stragglers. We feel Charlie's pain through Buess. Hawkins is delightful as a frustrated young lady in the wrong relationship.
Loveless and Lawson portray a couple that need a change of pace, always the same table at the same restaurant drinking the same drinks. They are a perfect match in their contrast. The successful businessman (Loveless), is just plain boring, content with status quo. Lawson, as his helpmate, is ready for a little action and change in her life. Why drink a Manhattan every night when you can have a Surprise? Loveless' character hasn't a clue; Lawson's character doesn't know how to communicate her desires to him. She does, however, communicate them quite clearly to her waiter.
The ancillary characters have their own distinct personalities. Lawson and Sofaer as an agent and advertising type are a flamboyant hoot. Lawson's other characters; a charming older widow and crackpot capitalize on her excellent acting range. Sofaer as an obnoxious drinker is totally that. His waiter is a nice balance of arrogant actor-in-waiting and true friend of Charlie.
Director Mower's set works for the five different restaurants - three tables and six chairs backed by black drapes. Charlie Miller's props define each restaurant, and he's kept busy with set dressing and props. Buess carries on his monologues while resetting the tables, which is a nice touch and moves the action. Chris Wagner's lighting and David Farlow's sound further define the various eateries. Shulamit Nelson's costumes work well.
