Daily Loaf

Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. At a recent show, American Stage Producing Artistic Director Todd Olson admitted that when an enormous chunk was hacked from the theater’s state and county-bolstered budget this summer, the company had to start thinking “creatively.” And thus was born the After Hours Series, which draws in audiences with alternative theater options (and lower ticket prices) at times when the stage would normally go unused. Fully Committed is no exception to that, well, commitment to valuable local art.

The one-act comedy that opens next week looks at the lighter side of the holidays from the perspective of Sam Peliczowski, an out-of-work actor (a theme no doubt near and dear to the hearts of many at American Stage) who is forced to take on a job manning the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan’s most popular restaurant in the peak of season. A cast of desperate callers try everything from blackmail to bribery to get the perfect table, but Sam’s trying to untangle his own problems: a widowed father who wants him home for the holidays; the opportunity to catch the lucky break of a lifetime in a role at the Lincoln Center; and trying to stay sane amidst a gaggle of Grinches. Forty funny, diverse characters all make their feelings known — let’s hope actor Matt Chiorini (who plays them all), manages to stay sane, too. Dec. 2-20, 9:30 p.m. Weds.-Thurs., 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m. matinees Sat.-Sun., American Stage, 163 Third Street N., St. Petersburg, “pay what you can” admission, americanstage.org. – Franki Weddington

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