Burlington Players Delivers Big Laughs in 'Working for Crumbs'

Be careful what you do in the office.

The Burlington Players perform Kate Danley’s hysterical comedy Working for Crumbs. Two co-workers compete for a promotion from their tight-laced boss. The situation escalates into a nightmare, forcing the women to lie, cheat, and regret their actions.

Chaos, comedy, and crumbs - oh my! Working for Crumbs by the Burlington Players is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen! I had no idea what to expect when walking into this show. While the premise initially hints at a Devil Wears Prada-style storyline, the play veers into unpredictable territory, warning of the consequences of cheating the system.

Angela Courtney Rossi and Jacey Lynn Rutledge play Amy and Grace, two office workers ready to quit. Rossi and Rutledge are tremendous! They succeed in acting out several comical moments. I am astounded by their comedic timing, from Rossi’s clever deliveries to Rutledge’s expressive faces.

Working for Crumbs supplies the usual characters seen in work-setting storylines. You have strict bosses, nosy co-workers, a deliveryman, and a janitor. I will continue to say that no small part exists in the theater. Everyone involved in this high-energy show made a big impact.

Sarah Logsdon delivers a standout performance as Helen, the women’s unapologetic boss. Logsdon’s comedic timing is impeccable. She is a master at physical comedy, maintaining a straight face in one of the show’s most outrageous moments.

Next is the enthusiastic office worker, Molly played by Brit Barone. Her obnoxious nose-turning perfume causes the greatest gags. Vivianna (Cathy Koerwer) is another high-ranking figure who walks all over the women.

And then there are small roles like the sultry deliveryman played wonderfully by Steve Berbundo and Shelley Wood’s hilarious double act as a dangerously quiet janitor and overly chatty AC repair lady. Their roles are the definition of how you make small roles memorable.

Chris Rose directed a hysterical comedy. Rehearsals started back in November. This was the first time Working for Crumbs was performed in Massachusetts. They worked directly with the playwright who offered suggestions and feedback.

This production thrives on comedy in all forms, especially physical humor. The cast mentioned how exhausted they were after each rehearsal and show. There’s no time to relax. The cast throws themselves (literally) into the action, racing around the stage, sometimes running into doors, or having to give one another a piggyback ride.

Everyone on the tech side of Working for Crumbs lent a helping hand to make this show happen. The set design plays a major part. Chris Rose and Ben Brotman designed a realistic office setting with several doors leading into new rooms. Every technical element, from lighting, costumes, and props engages audiences in this frenzied world.

Audience reaction is one of my favorite parts of any show, and this was the best yet! I was exhausted from laughing - there wasn’t a moment without it! Audiences chuckled, cackled, and recited surprise. Everyone quickly gathered back into the auditorium during intermission, excited for the second act. This is the kind of laughter I wish I could bottle up and live through the moment again.

Beyond the hilarity, the moral of this crazy and witty show is to be careful of what you do in the workplace or it may come back to haunt you.

Once the show begins, you are in it until the very end. I really can’t say anymore because it’s one surprise after another. You do not want to miss Working for Crumbs at the Burlington Players running until March 8. I could see it a dozen more times!