No one would accuse Clyde of having a soft heart: sure, she hires former convicts for the greasy kitchen of her truck-stop sandwich joint, but she knows what they owe her and holds that power tight. Her line cooks might be stuck, but their hopes haven’t flickered out yet, fed by tentative connections and a fierce competition to create the perfect sandwich. Pulitzer-Prize winner Lynn Nottage’s sweet and savory comedy trades in wonder, Wonder Bread, and the healing powers of food. Much of the plot of Clyde’s revolves around the details of sandwich making – characters apply sauces with flair, slices veggies at a super speed, and sear chicken through anger.
Starting March 1st, Studio Theatre will be serving up the popular comedy Clyde’s by two time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, but this production would not be possible without their not-so-secret ingredient: a sandwich consultant. Within the theatrical realm, consultants have become more popular for helping actors contextualize specific moments in plays, and while we all like to think we know our way around a kitchen, no one in DC does it like Ben’s Chili Bowl.
In order for the actors to safely and accurately depict a fast-paced kitchen, Studio Theatre has partnered with Ben’s Chili Bowl, who are no strangers to the hustle and bustle of operating a fully functional restaurant. They are leaders in the restaurant industry, a proudly black-owned business and a historic landmark in Washington, DC’s culture. As Studio Theatre’s official sandwich consultant, Ben’s Chili bowl’s chefs will collaborate with the cast and creative team of Clyde’s, educating them on an array of kitchen duties including knife skills and opening process, and answering any questions that may come up in the rehearsal process. During this partnership, Studio Theatre patrons will receive a 15% discount at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Seeing Clyde’s can certainly work up an appetite, so guests can walk a few blocks to U Street and chow down on their world famous “half smoke.” Just hang on to your ticket stub and present it at Ben’s for a sweet discount.
Ben’s Chili Bowl is an institution in DC and in 2010 they established a foundation to further support their local community. The Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation was created to serve the neighborhood, and they also financially support other community organizations in the area that are working towards making a difference. You can support their ventures by visiting their website. You can also grab a ticket for Clyde’s today.
