Adversarial and Amusing Aromatic Adventure ‘Seared’ Arrives at New Vic

It’s likely that Jonathan Fox’s tenure at Ensemble Theatre Company will be seared into the local theater community’s collective memory for many years to come. ETC’s artistic director is departing after 17 years at the helm, a period that saw the company move from the quaint Alhecama Theater to the gleamingly refurbished New Vic, and produce several modern and timeless classics – including the world premiere of Fox’s own adaptation the Woody Allen movie Husbands and Wives. 

But first Fox is directing Seared, Theresa Rebeck’s culinary dramedy about a brilliant but arrogant chef whose business partner finally sees profits on the horizon, if only the chef hadn’t refused to recreate signature scallops for the masses after his signature dish gets a rave review. 

The play, which is set in a restaurant kitchen and features live cooking on stage, addresses a bunch of current niches, including foodies, the entrepreneurial challenge of scaling up, and the art vs. commerce equation. The conflict comes from each of the four characters having different agendas, and while that premise isn’t revelatory, Fox said the playwright has fashioned relatable characters to move the story forward. 

“Sudden success can be very tumultuous, and not everyone sees the path forward in the same way,” Fox explained. “There’s intriguing situations, lots of passion, and real questions that come up.” 

The director has assembled a cast that, while all new to ETC, are at least familiar with the profession portrayed in the play. Like most in the acting world, three of the four cast members have worked in restaurants. 

“They’ve experienced it from the inside and are able to bring a lot of authenticity to the parts,” he said. “As part of his research, the actor who plays the chef has actually made every single dish mentioned in the script.” 

Fox expects the audience to be enthralled with the story, and it doesn’t hurt that the aromas from the cooking action will engage their sense of smell. But whatever their experience, Fox said he’s happy to be directing Seared as his last production before moving on from ETC. 

“It’s a fun show to be leaving with,” he said. 

Seared performs June 8-25 at The New Vic. Call (805) 965-5400 or visit www.etcsb.org.