There are, I think, only a handful of restaurant plays which
serve up memorable characters and genuinely funny dialogue. Add Maureen Cornell
and John Shea’s hilarious slice of life comedy (running through April 4th)
to the list. The LIFERS of the title are the veteran cooks, waiters and
waitresses who toil under the radar for minimum wage and the promise of big
tips.
First, let me testify, having waited tables throughout
college, that every word in LIFERS is gospel. In point of fact, I wouldn’t be
surprised if the actors in the show had done hard time at a diner somewhere.
Customs, culture and food may change, but not the folks in the trenches.
Cornell and Shea pepper the play with a rookie, a crusty
cook, plenty of jaded staff, a snotty hostess and just the right amount of
turmoil to keep them all busy. The only thing missing is a waiter who’s an out
of work actor. What is truly remarkable about director Brett Marks’
production is the intricate timing: The interwoven exits and entrances, not to
mention the cross currents of conversation are executed flawlessly. And it
looks effortless.
The performers are first rate. Marks gets lovely, quirky
performances: from Maureen Adduci as the well seasoned waitress with a sharp
tongue, from Peter Brown as the feisty, unflappable cook, from Mikey DiLoreto
as the stand up friend to Lisette Marie Morris’ overwhelmed single mother, from
David D’Andrea as the poor greenhorn and from Audrey Lynn Sylvia as the
universal irritant (who mellows a bit toward the end).
Marc Ewart’s set should be Zagat rated, it looks so
authentic. Here’s my tip. Without reservation. See it before the kitchen
closes.
