“Eat Your Heart Out” is a poignant comedy that takes place in several restaurants in and about Manhattan, where Charlie works as a waiter. The multiple settings are designed by Ed Nieman. Heidi Wittchen is the scenic designer. Ed and producer Brian Gronczniak are the technical directors of sound and lighting, respectively. The entire stage production is managed by Bonnie McClements. Karen Boynton is the costumer. Jerry and Cynthia Petronis are in charge of the box office.
"CHARLIE", your waiter for the evening, is in his early 30’s but still has a boyish something about him, though the clock is ticking. He’s basically a nice guy, engaging, funny, candid, graceful, quick-witted, and talented – an Ohio boy who has come to New York to chase the dream of being an actor. All he needs is a lucky break – and while he waits and waits, to make ends meet, he waits on tables, chating with the audience about his life and hoped for career while dealing with a wide range of characters that happen to sit at his tables.
SCENARIO & CAST (in order of appearance)
The play takes place at various restaurants in and around Manhattan: the present.
Charlie, your waiter for the evening……………….Michael Wolske
ACT I – Autumn.
“Ici personne ne parle francais,” a French restaurant; “Ernie’s,” a theater restaurant; “Tintintabulation,” a themed restaurant.
Doris Potter …...……………………..………... Kratia Ure
David Carter....………………………………… Ed Nieman
Ann Carter…………………………………….. Jeanette Sassatelli
The Amontillado Guy………………………….. Jason McClements
The Hungry Guy……………………………….. Jerry Petronis
The Gourmet……………………………………Cynthia Petronis
A fifteen-minute intermission.
Act II – Winter.
“Restaurant”; "Clandestination,” a romantic getaway; “Ernie’s.”
The Guy……………………………………….. Jerry Petronis
The Hustler………………………………..….. Jason McClements
The Astrologer Lady…………………….……Cynthia Petronis
The Lovers………………………………….… Matthew Hayner
…………………...…………………………. Virginia Kemp
A five minute intermission to mark the change of seasons.
Act III – Spring.
“Ernie’s”; “Minelli’s,” a lunch place for businessmen;”Ernie’s.”
Harry, Charlie’s fellow waiter/actor……..…… Jason McClements
Thelma, a casting agent………………………. Cynthia Petronis
Leslie, an advertising guy………………….……Jerry Petronis
A Waiter……………………………………. Matthew Hayner
A Girl……………………………………….. Virginia Kemp