Seared
82

Seared NYC Reviews and Tickets

82%
(150 Reviews)
Positive
93%
Mixed
6%
Negative
1%
Members say
Great acting, Entertaining, Funny, Great staging, Clever

About the Show

Set in a intimate kitchen of a New York City restaurant, this new comedy from writer Theresa Rebeck ("Berhardt/Hamlet") asks us to consider where art ends and commerce begins. 

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Member Reviews (150)

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716 Reviews | 219 Followers
80
Melodramatic, Indulgent, Quirky, Funny, Clever

See it if Entertaining melodramatic sitcom with many funny moments. Great staging/set. Charismatic actors ham up their flamboyant characters.

Don't see it if The conflict with the insufferable genius chef gets repetitive. Needs more depth rather than volume. Ending is cute but contrived.

754 Reviews | 124 Followers
77
Intense, Funny, Realistic set, Realistic situation, Great acting

See it if you are interested in the realistic presentation of life in a restaurant kitchen. The actors do a good job. The set is detailed & practical

Don't see it if excellently presented reality fails to be enough for a theater to offer.

MJK
677 Reviews | 190 Followers
68
Overheated, Half baked

See it if u don't mind watching insufferable people shout at each other for 2+ hrs in a well-staged & acted, amusing but insubstantial kitchen dramedy

Don't see it if u expect a searing debate on culinary art vs. commerce. [You'll get plenty of shouting on the topic, but I wouldn't call any of it "debate"]

688 Reviews | 116 Followers
83
Edgy, Thought-provoking, Intense, Great staging, Great acting

See it if Esparza's red hot performance as an insufferable chef on the brink of 'celebrity' nearly engulfs an equally intense ensemble Taut A+ staging

Don't see it if Rebeck's able craftsmanship is better than usual in tale of art vs commerce or more importantly 'genius' vs talented 2nd act payoff shines

488 Reviews | 316 Followers
81
Great acting, Indulgent, Great staging

See it if Incredible staging! I've never seen anything like it. Extensive cooking onstage. Great set.

Don't see it if By the second half of the show I was just so sick of Harry. Yes, he is supposed to be annoying but his behavior became repetitive & boring Read more

520 Reviews | 107 Followers
87
Great acting, Great staging, Clever

See it if you like dramas that deal with two people that are polar opposite‘s but still want the same goal

Don't see it if You are bothered by lots of loud arguments on stage and a whiny entitled character Read more

522 Reviews | 82 Followers
95
Great writing, Great staging, Funny, Great acting, Clever

See it if you like great writing and acting on an amazing set.Absolutely hilarious. Kept my interest from beginning to end.Also made me hungry.

Don't see it if you want an ending that has more answers than questions.Left me with a lot to think about.

502 Reviews | 73 Followers
74
Cocky

See it if 1 oz talent cooked with 1 lb of ego under high pressure is a volatile pot of toxic masculinity. Entertaining but this recipe is over done.

Don't see it if Another angry, cocky white man yelling most of the time, with hubris leading to his downfall. Overused archetype / story. Read more

Critic Reviews (19)

The New York Times
October 28th, 2019

"For a Pompous Chef, Comeuppance on the Menu: Raúl Esparza faces the realities of the restaurant business in Theresa Rebeck’s energetic but formulaic art-versus-commerce comedy."
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Time Out New York
October 28th, 2019

3/5 Stars "There's not much food for thought in 'Seared.' Its arguments are well-worn...Comedy and comeuppance are what keep it cooking; von Stuelpnagel smartly fires up the humor, and the actors add spice to their archetypical characters...Like a comfortable neighborhood joint, it’s satisfying even if it isn’t surprising."
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New York Magazine / Vulture
October 28th, 2019

"Theresa Rebeck’s 'Seared' Is a Pretty Light Meal"
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The Hollywood Reporter
October 28th, 2019

"Raúl Esparza stars in the new comedy by Theresa Rebeck, author of 'Seminar' and 'Mauritius' and creator of NBC's 'Smash,' about a stubborn chef who clashes with a restaurant consultant."
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The Wall Street Journal
October 31st, 2019

"‘Seared’ Review: A Hearty Helping of Comedy With a Side of Seriousness: Moritz von Stuelpnagel gives a fine staging of Theresa Rebeck’s play about a neurotic chef who thinks he’s an artist."
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Theatermania
October 28th, 2019

"Theresa Rebeck's 'Seared' Turns Up the Heat on One Brooklyn Restaurant: The New York premiere of this kitchen comedy stars Raúl Esparza and Krysta Rodriguez."
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BroadwayWorld
October 29th, 2019

"Raul Esparza and Krysta Rodriguez Clash in Theresa Rebeck's Art Vs. Commerce Comedy, 'SEARED'"
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Lighting & Sound America
October 29th, 2019

"The real news of the evening, however, is von Stuelpnagel, who gives the proceedings the polish and punch of a golden-age Broadway comedy. He and his gifted cast enliven this comedy of scullery skullduggery, generating some wickedly tasty fun."
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