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.

From the show:

Brilliant, hot-headed chef Harry scores a mention in a food magazine with his signature scallops, and his business partner Mike finally sees profits within reach. The only problem, Harry refuses to recreate his masterpiece for the masses. Mix in a shrewd restaurant consultant and a waiter with dreams of his own and it all goes to hell in this hilarious and insightful new play that asks us to consider where art ends and commerce begins. Audiences will be up close to the action of as MCC’s flexible Frankel Theater is transformed into the intimate kitchen of a New York City restaurant.

Critic Reviews (19)

"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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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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"Theresa Rebeck’s 'Seared' Is a Pretty Light Meal"
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"‘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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"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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"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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"Raul Esparza and Krysta Rodriguez Clash in Theresa Rebeck's Art Vs. Commerce Comedy, 'SEARED'"
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"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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Cast and creative team

Theresa Rebeck

Playwright

Moritz von Stuelpnagel

Director

MCC Theater

Producer