Under My Apron: Service with a Smile, and a Laugh.

There is something just plain charming about Under My Apron, a sketch show currently running as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival. It is straight forward, fast paced, and truly funny. Taking situations from the worlds of waiters and diners, a talented ensemble gives us an evening of pure fun.

The tightrope that comes with writing about these every-day situations is making them recognizable enough for the audience to identify with, but novel and quirky enough to avoid seeming tired. Writer and director Debbie Williams has taken familiar situations and structured them into amusing vignettes. The opening sketch, "Who Had The Veal?", has a quintet of inebriated friends arguing over the splitting of the bill. What could be a staid and moldy slice of life is a fresh, witty sign of things to come. The show swings from poignant moments to over-the-top characters, with barely a hitch.

Each cast member gets at least one moment to shine. Jessa Watson manages to be likeable yet vain, as an obscure actress turned waitress in "Recognize Me?". Kevin Starzynski is a smug, megalomaniacal head waiter in the aptly titled "Jackass". As Billy and Bobbi Sparkle, the lounge act from hell, Ron Williams and Kristen Egan tell us the daily specials while bringing us repeated renditions of Endless Love. The endearing Corey Greenan plays a bartender who entreats his girlfriend to "Say Yes". Maria Couch is hilarious as a cater waiter, trying to curb her mounting frustration while the party guests ignore her proffered shrimp. Ms Williams, however, brings us the best scene of the show, "Just A Waitress", playing an adorable hash slinger who has big dreams. She created a person the audience fell in love with instantly.

Although the show could stand to be a scene or two shorter, this is a small concern. Under My Apron is the first show by the RealArts Production Company, and founders Ron and Debbie Williams hope to transfer the show for an off-Broadway run. With a winning cast and tasty material, I hope to see another helping of these sketches soon.

Photos by Ron and Debbie Williams: Top: back row, Kevin Starzynski, Jessa Watson, Ron Williams. Front row, Debbie Williams, Corey Greenan, Kristen Egan, Maria Crouch

Middle Left: Debbie Williams

Bottom: Corey Greenan