more important to have the most desired table than what is actually served on the menu. Mode's text builds to a nerve-rattling pitch where the façade of “service with a smile” humorously begins to crack under the ridiculous demands of a pompous “chef” and his affected clientele. The double meaning of Mode's title begins to become italicized as her protagonist's selfless demeanor takes on survival mode. As the restaurant's receptionist, Sam's polite, accommodating demeanor and multitasking duties take on absurd proportions. Eventually, Sam turns the tables on those who degrade and humiliate him by making the mayhem work toward his advantage.

Director Stephanie A. Coltrin has previously directed the show and understands the absurdist qualities thematically couched in Mode's text. Both Coltrin and Escobar appreciate that Sam comes to recognize that his high-stress, isolated existence has no real truth, value or meaning, and it is up to Sam to create his own tangible and meaningful existence by taking advantage of those who take advantage.

Coltrin builds her show to an almost uncomfortable white-knuckle, butterfly-in-the-stomach climax that emphasizes the absurd nature of Sam's world. Coltrin has perfectly cast the show with an actor who is diverse enough to develop 35 distinctly different personalities in an 80-minute one-act. Ted Escobar is so convincing, at times one forgets there is only one performer on stage. This is a tour de force juggling act for a character actor, and Escobar keeps every character moving higher and faster through the air; it is a performance that should not be missed.

Both actor and director highlight the fact that Mode's show is more than a humorous behind-the-scenes look into the trendy restaurant industry; it is a glimpse into the mirror of our own demanding, demeaning and multitasking roles we, unfortunately, cast ourselves in.