Fully Committed – A Fast-Paced One-Man Comedy

One Actor. 40 Characters. One Hilarious Night at the Theatre.
Phoenicia Playhouse Presents Fully Committed, a Fast-Paced One-Man Comedy!

PHOENICIA, NY — What happens when you combine a five-star restaurant, a flood of outrageous customers, and one very frazzled reservationist? Chaos, comedy — and Fully Committed, a one-man tour de force opening this December at the Phoenicia Playhouse.

This wildly funny and razor-sharp comedy, written by Becky Mode, takes audiences behind the scenes at one of Manhattan’s hottest restaurants. In a single 90-minute performance, actor Jake Shipley plays Sam, a struggling actor manning the reservation line — as well as nearly 40 characters who call in with increasingly absurd demands, meltdowns, and last-minute power plays.

Directed by Michael Koegel, former Artistic Director of the Playhouse, Fully Committed is as technically demanding as it is hilarious. Each character has a distinct voice, rhythm, and presence — all brought to life by Shipley in a whirlwind of vocal acrobatics and comic timing.“It’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever done,” says Shipley. “It’s like one giant tongue twister.”

Behind the scenes, the production team has worked for months to bring the play’s unique rhythm and timing to life — including perfectly timed phone cues, designed and operated by Lydia Pidlusky, that serve as the show’s invisible co-star.

First produced in 2000 at New York’s Cherry Lane Theatre and later revived on Broadway with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Fully Committed has become a favorite for its biting satire of celebrity culture, fine dining, and modern hustle — and its heartwarming message about finding your voice when the world won’t stop shouting.

This is Jake Shipley’s debut performance at the Phoenicia Playhouse, and his own background — having worked in high-end NYC restaurants while pursuing an acting career — makes him uniquely suited to tackle the role.

“Jake brings a deep authenticity to Sam,” says director Koegel. “It’s a fast, funny, and surprisingly touching show.”

Showtimes:

Friday, Dec 5– 7:00 PM
Saturday, Dec 6– 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Dec 7– 2:00 PM
Friday, Dec 12 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, Dec 13 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Dec 14 – 2:00 PM
(Two shows on Saturdays)

Phoenicia Playhouse — 10 Church Street, Phoenicia, NY

Tickets & Info: www.phoeniciaplayhouse.com