


WELCOME TO
SEARED – PRE-SHOW
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1. ABOUT THE PLAY
You will be up close to the action as the Neuhaus Theatre is transformed into a working restaurant kitchen.
Harry, a brilliant but moody chef, creates culinary masterpieces on his own terms.
The play captures the high-stakes tension between Harry's artistic integrity, his business partner Mike's money pressures, and Emily's bold ideas to expand the restaurant's success.
As the team struggles with clashing priorities, a key question emerges: Can creative passion and business survival coexist - or will the pressure force someone to walk away?
2. WHEN + WHERE
MODERN DAY – The play follows a group of people running a restaurant in New York.
PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN – Neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, known for its mix of upscale and casual dining - along with a diverse community that appreciates quality food and unique culinary experiences.
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This setting reflects the tension in the play, as Harry's dedication to artistry contrasts with the neighborhood’s demand for popular and trendy dishes, shaped by foodie culture and media buzz.

SCENIC DESIGN
The Neuhaus Theatre will have a fully functioning kitchen where the actors will prepare, cook, and consume the food onstage. See the final design rendering below.
A rendering is a final visualization that shows how a project might appear in reality. Renderings are usually created with software that produces hyperrealistic images that help the designers, directors, and actors bring the play to life.

SCENIC DESIGN BY RIW RAKKULCHON
3. WHO'S WHO
Read the descriptions below and click on each photo for the actor's bio.
CHRISTOPHER SALAZAR*
Harry
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
HARRY – "A big, imposing man in every sense, with a fiery personality and unmatched talent in the kitchen."
Key Traits:
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Stubborn and temperamental, fiercely protective of his creative vision.
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An artist who prioritizes the integrity of his food over profits or trends.
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Often clashes with others, particularly when he feels his autonomy is threatened.
KORY LAQUESS PULLUM
Rodney
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
RODNEY – "A good-natured man with quick wit and a practical outlook."
Key Traits:
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Works hard and remains upbeat despite the kitchen's chaos.
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Provides levity with humor and sharp observations.
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Loyal to Harry but also aware of the challenges of working under him.
CHRIS HUTCHISON*
Mike
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
MIKE – "Harry’s business partner who is deeply invested in the restaurant's survival."
Key Traits:
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Handles the restaurant’s financial and operational side.
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Desires growth and expansion, which often leads to clashes with Harry.
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Balances loyalty to Harry with his own frustrations about the partnership.
ELIZABETH BUNCH*
Emily
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
EMILY – "A confident, polished consultant with a knack for persuasion and ambition."
Key Traits:
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Hired to help the restaurant capitalize on its newfound buzz.
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Unafraid to take risks and push for change, even against resistance.
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Uses charm and determination to steer the team toward her vision.
*Alley Resident Acting Company member.
MEET THE PLAYWRIGHT
Profession: Playwright, screenwriter, novelist, and television writer.
Notable Works:
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Plays: Seared, Mauritius, Seminar, and Dead Accounts.
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TV: Created the musical drama Smash and contributed to NYPD Blue.
Themes: Often explores power dynamics, ambition, and the clash between art and commerce.
Background: Known for her sharp dialogue and ability to blend humor with intense dramatic tension.
Fun Fact: Rebeck is one of the most produced female playwrights in America.
THERESA REBECK
Playwright
4. INSIDE THE RESTAURANT
Cooking in a restaurant is not like cooking at home.
See how a small but busy restaurant in New York City keep the plates coming:
REFLECT
After you watch the video, have a group discussion:
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How do you think the pressure and teamwork in this restaurant kitchen compares to other group activities you've experienced?
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What skills do the chefs need to work successfully under intense conditions?
CHEF CONSULTANT
Alley Theatre has been thrilled to collaborate with renowned Houston chef Justin Yu on Seared. Yu is the Chef/Owner of Theodore Rex, Better Luck Tomorrow, and Squable.
Chef Justin Yu played a key role in making the production feel as authentic as possible. To prepare for their roles, the actors visited one of Justin's restaurants during both lunch service and dinner prep. They also received hands-on training in essential kitchen skills such as knife techniques and food preparation. They fully immersed themselves in the high-pressure world of professional kitchens, bringing the characters and their environment to life on stage in the Neuhaus Theatre.
JUSTIN YU
Houston Chef
5. YOUR PART IN THE PLAY
The show can't happen without an audience. Watch the video for some great advice on playing your part.
BONUS ACTIVITY
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
After watching the video, improvise scenes where you encounter the best and worst audience members. If you create something fun and want to share it, tag us at @alleytheatre on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social platforms.
