One-Person Comedy ‘Fully Committed’ Is Frenetic Fun

A dynamic one-person comedy about a struggling actor manning the phones at a New York restaurant reservation desk, Fully Committed is an energetic showcase of comic timing and character work.

I remember hearing about Fully Committed when it premiered on Broadway in 2016, starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson. One-person shows are always notable because of how tough they are and it stuck in my mind. It’s just you out there with nowhere to hide, so it takes a lot of courage and talent to be able to carry a piece for an hour and a half. Then, when I heard it was going to be performed in Chicago, I had to see it.

Written by Becky Mode and developed with Mark Setlock based on their experiences in the New York restaurant scene, Chicago actor Mike Newquist has brought his take to the stage at The Den Theatre. Fully Committed is a fast-paced show about Sam, a struggling actor and telephone reservation line specialist at a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York. Between the reservation guests, employees, chef, and Sam’s family members, you have Newquist playing all of the parts during the chaos of a single day at the office.

Directed by Derek Bertelsen, the stage is a workroom full of communication devices. One phone is connected to the outside, with various lines available, one is a cell phone, another is a landline to the kitchen, and the last is a walkie-talkie that connects to the front desk. There are notes and flyers plastered to the wall around Sam, ranging from a production of Evil Dead: The Musical to reminders of what patron not to allow to make a reservation.

With almost 40 characters to play (including Gwyneth Paltrow’s assistant, Bryce, a mobster, and an angry patron who is yelling at her housekeeper in the background), Newquist has established an entirely unique voice, physicality, and cadence for each one of them. He also voices the answering machines and most recordings. Often in complete disarray, with phones ringing off the hook and Sam being the only one at the helm, watching him try to stay calm while dealing with feisty patrons, a cranky chef, or his sweet father is exceptionally funny, particularly because it all comes from one person.

In the middle of all of the mayhem, there are also a few tender moments. You learn about Sam’s family and a bit about his father, who always signs off with a loving, “Adios Amigo.” With all of the personalities at play, I didn’t expect to feel the tug at my heartstrings, but I did. Those quieter moments gently deepen the story, making it more relatable.

In addition to the energy and spunk that Newquist brings to the characters and the constantly ringing phones, I have to call out the lighting. Both purple and yellow lights are used on the stage, and the effect on Newquist’s face is fantastic. There are moments where he will be in a state of spirited conversation, and he will roll in his chair to center stage, where his teeth and eyes appear yellow, while the rest of his skin glows purple. I loved those moments for added texture and looked forward to each time it happened.

Fully Committed is a funny show with a talented performer who brings nearly 40 people to life before your eyes. Whether he’s highlighted in color, choking on Cheetos, or trying desperately for someone to give him a bathroom break, there is a lot to get a kick out of. You’ll enjoy it.

Fully Committed runs for approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

Fully Committed Chicago Review – Fully Committed is playing at The Den Theatre through 3/28/26. Tickets can be purchased on The Den website. The Den Theatre is located at 1331 N Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago.