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Jesse Tyler Ferguson: Fully Committed

Fully Committed, starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson, is Broadway’s only solo show and one that requires a triple shot of adrenaline just to keep up with it. It also packs a hard wallop of hilarious. Ferguson’s key role is that of Sam, an actor who works in the basement of a “ridiculously trendy Manhattan restaurant” answering a non-stop reservation line, the needy/chatty chef’s direct line, and, whenever possible, his cellphone. Ferguson also plays every hysterical/demanding reservation seeker and assorted others: we’re talking 40 characters.

When not acting on Broadway, Ferguson works in L.A. on the ridiculously successful sitcom Modern Family, for which he’s amassed five Emmy nominations playing Mitchell Pritchett. Thus, the West Coast beckons and his limited Broadway run will end on July 31st. So, this is how Jesse Tyler Ferguson chose to spend his summer vacation—wow...and thank you, thank you, thank you!

jesse tyler ferguson fully committed

Image: Joan Marcus, 2016

CG: The show has you bouncing off the walls...what do you do to maintain that sort of onstage energy eight performances a week? 

JTF: The show itself is a 90-minute cardio routine but I have been working with a trainer to stay conditioned. I used to love going out and grabbing a few drinks with friends after a performance but I had to really cut back with this show. I can’t risk a hangover with this one!

CG: What would you say is your favorite moment in the show?

JTF: I love the moments later in the play when Sam starts to win his power back. The audience seems to really respond to that shift and it’s fun to ride. I also get to cuss a lot as the chef. It’s fun yelling the F bomb on a Sunday at 3pm.

CG: Which character—other than Sam—do you find most interesting/fun to play?

JTF: It’s like choosing a favorite child when I’m asked this question. The answer constantly shifts depending on my mood. Recently I’ve enjoyed playing Judith Rush, my senior citizen. Maybe because I feel a bit tired and sore!

CG: Have any of your Modern Family costars seen the show? Feedback?

JTF: Ty [Burrell] and Aubrey [Anderson-Emmons] came early in previews. I had to apologize to Aubrey for all the F bombs...but she’s seen Cabaret so I think she was okay. Eric Stonestreet came to my opening night and then came again with his mom the following week. Feedback?! I would never ask anyone for feedback! I won’t even read reviews!!!!

CG: Are you a foodie? If so, how do you determine a fabulous restaurant?

JTF: I am a big foodie. I love trying new hotspots. I'm always on the eater and infatuation blogs looking for the best new places. They usually have their finger on the pulse. I'm friendly with several chefs and culinary personalities so I pull from their resources too. I'm also fairly ambitious in the kitchen. I have a huge cookbook collection and I subscribe to a few culinary magazines so I’m constantly trying new dishes and learning new techniques.

CG: Did you ever try to get into a posh restaurant or party, and if so, what were your go-to persuasive techniques?

JTF: I’ve pretended to be my personal assistant calling on my behalf...that way if they say no it doesn’t feel like such a direct rejection.

jesse tyler ferguson fully committed

Image: Joan Marcus, 2016

About the Author

City Guide Theatre Editor Griffin Miller moved to New York to pursue an acting/writing career in the 1980s after graduating magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then, she has written for The New York Times, For the Bride, Hotels, and a number of other publications, mostly in the areas of travel and performance arts. An active member of The New York Travel Writers Association, she is also a playwright and award-winning collage artist. In addition, she sits on the board of The Lewis Carroll Society of North America. Griffin is married to Richard Sandomir, a reporter for The New York Times.

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