**** Recommended Towle Theater’s latest production, Slow Food, is a stupidly funny little comedy about a restaurant patron’s worst nightmare, a passive-aggressive waiter. It’s totally predictable yet laugh-out-loud funny. The talented cast makes the most of the story. Don’t miss this one. 3 ½ Spotlights
Slow Food is directed by Jeff Casey, assisted by Ryan Alan Jones. Set and costume design is by Kevin Bellamy. This is the final production for both Jeff and Kevin who are retiring at the end of the year.
Irene (Laura MacGregor) and Peter (Gary Murphy) are celebrating their 30th anniversary with a trip to Palm Springs. So far, their trip has been frustrating, to say the least. The rental car they ordered wasn’t available so they had to take a van. When they got to their hotel, there was a mistake with their reservation. Now they’re starving, but since it’s Sunday, most restaurants were closed.
After driving around for a long time, they found one open restaurant. After they were seated, Peter ordered a Sam Adams (beer) from a waiter. They waited, and waited and waited some more. Finally, a waiter walked over to their table and introduced himself as Stephen (Colin Funk), emphasizing that Stephen was spelled with a ‘p - h’.
When Peter asked about his Sam Adams and Irene’s wine, Stephen was offended that another waiter had taken their order. Peter tried to reorder his Sam Adams but Stephen insisted that a local craft beer was infinitely better. Irene said she’s have that but Peter again asked for his Sam Adams. Stephen humphed and walked away. When he finally came back he had tiny sample glasses.
Irene and Peter were really hungry to they tried to order dinner. After Stephen listed the specials, Peter ordered the lamb but Irene wanted spanakopita and a salad. Stephen made a huge fuss over the kind of salad.
As time passed Peter grew more and more frustrated. Eventually he lost his cool, which, of course, totally offended Stephen. At one point, they got so hungry, Irene ran to another table, stole the bread basket and hid it in her purse. And so it went …
After a weekend hiatus, Slow Food resumes performances September 20th through 22nd at the Towle Theater. Parking is free. Running time is 90 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Friday & Saturday at 8:00 pm, Sunday at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $24. FYI (219) 937-8780 or www.towletheater.org