Justin Yu, Chris Shepherd, Robert Del Grande and Hugo Ortega
Carrie Wirsing and Jeanette Jenkins
Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.
“Seared serves up a high-stakes battle of art versus commerce in the pressure-cooker world of an up-and-coming restaurant,” per the Alley Theatre. “When a hotshot chef’s genius meets the hard-nosed reality of the business, tempers flare, egos clash, and the flames of ambition burn high. The arrival of a seasoned restaurant consultant only turns up the heat, igniting a battle for creative control that’s as hilarious as it is mouthwatering.”
The show, up and running now, garnered considerable pre-opening buzz when it was learned that noted Houston chef Justin Yu of Theodore Rex had signed on as a chef consultant for the play. His guidance was needed since, during the performance, actors make real restaurant-quality food in a working kitchen! Indeed, audiences are leaving the at the end of the show hungry for salmon, gnocchi and, per an inside joke in the story, scallops.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to direct Seared in a city like Houston,” Weinbrenner noted. “Like any other sensible Houstonian, I love dining out. And not just for the delicious food but also for the drama! There are high stakes, urgent timing, opinions galore, relationships in the kitchen and on the floor, and all of that in Theresa Rebeck’s Seared.
“And I get to collaborate with friends! Theresa and I have been friends for a decade,” the director added. “The cast is made up of our beloved resident acting company members and a big local talent.”
The cast includes Elizabeth Bunch, Chris Hutchison, Christopher Salazar and Kory LaQuess Pullam.
'Seared' director Weinbrenner is known for his fast-paced style.
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To honor the publication’s annual Star Impact Maker award winners, guest joined Kwan-Wong for cocktails in a main hall of the European Gallery of the Audrey Jones Beck building before heading into a more intimate space for a dinner catered by Tony’s. The meal was served amid art dating to the Middle Ages, and live Baroque music by Ars Lyrica. Table settings festooned with linens of gold and emerald greens and voluptuous multi-colored florals further set the scene.
Kwan-Wong herself made remarks, as did her young daughter, who touted her own new nonprofit, Girl Chess Power and Beyond. TV anchor Gina Gaston served as emcee. Honorees were introduced to fanfare — flower bouquets, and a sashay through the room runway-style — included Leela Krishnamurthy, Natesan Krishnamurthy, Parmis Khatibi, Nikan Khatibi, E. Michelle Bohreer, Chi-mei Lin, Rosalinda Martinez, Zeenat Kassam Mitha, Jacqueline St. Germain, Thanh Le and May Le.
After dessert, guests were invited to sip cocktails as they perused the MFA’s extraordinary art collection.
Photos by Annie Mulligan, Hung Truong and Thang Nguyen
Connie Kwan-Wong and Zoe Wong
E. Michelle Bohreer
Brigitte Kalai and Susan Boggio
Unique florals for the dinner table
Gina Gaston and Bradley Bailey
Peter and Theresa Chang
Tiffany Houck, Keryl Douglas and Clarease Yates
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Thanh Le and May Le