←Recommendations of Home-Style Cooking at the Gateway Cafe

"Just another day at the Gateway Cafe." Unlike our mysterious stranger, Philip Middleton Williams really has the "common touch" -- we're drawn in immediately into this world, wandering among "the people" and leaving with a clearer perspective on this nation's divided politics. Bravo!

Rarely in a 10-30 minute play can multiple believable plot twists can be piled one on top of the next on top of the next with any degree of coherence, but dang it, Philip Middleton Williams has shown us how it's done! He's written a nice slice-of-life work, some acerbic political commentary, all within a fun window into the people of a small-town diner who's one step ahead of the game. I can always appreciate a strong scene set by Philip Middleton Williams.

Ah, you just know the meatloaf and mashed potatoes at the Gateway Cafe taste even better the second day. And just like that savory treat, Philip Middleton Williams’ dialogue takes us to a place that feels like home. There’s a great twist that expertly captures the cynicism of our political leaders. You’ll laugh and smile throughout. I absolutely encourage theaters to try this in a small town!

Philip Middleton Williams cleverly uses a slice of typical Americana to expose today's political divisiveness as an artifact created by an attachment to yesterday's ideals. Digging a bit deeper, we see how xenophobia, homophobia and racism can be used by politicians to their advantage. It's relevant and thought-provoking while remaining funny and entertaining. Nice work walking that wire! The twists at the end are the fun cherry on top. Excellent!

Want to laugh? "Mom, what’s the lunch special today?"...."Same as yesterday. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. I got a ton left over."... "Okay, we’ll call it “vintage cuisine.” Wonderful snapshot of a little place we all know. Anyone who's anyone is there enjoying one of those famous sweet rolls over a discussion of immigration and Jesus--of course. A great piece of Americana which Philip does so well. And yes, I lied about reading all of War & Peace and what the hell is spago? lol

Head on over to the Gateway Cafe for some good grub and a reality check. Williams repeatedly undermines audience expectations in this witty and thoughtful look at "America" today. As he targets the duplicity – triplicity? – of our elected officials, he reminds us that we mustn’t judge folks by our preconceived perceptions of what they should be. This large-cast short is a perfect fit for festivals in both red states and blue.

Just when you think Philip Middleton Williams is finished subverting your expectations about this familiar-yet-original cast of diner characters, he subverts them all over again, to great comic effect. This is a hoot of a play that skewers what politicians and the general public think of voters in the proverbial small-town diner. Sheer brilliance!

What a great short play by the dialogue master, Philip Middleton Williams! Philip takes you on what appears to be an ordinary(ish) day in the life of the Gateway Cafe. When Ray shows up though the world shifts and we get the "don't judge a book by its cover" treatment. However, the "script is flipped," with Ray's revelation of what he "truly" believes. In the event that you stayed with the dialogue path as intended, then you're treated to the reveal and all is well at the Gateway Cafe but not at the bowling alley, I presume. GREAT SHOW!

Gina is an awesome role, a real meaty sink-your-teeth in type. All the characters are solid, very realized portraits of small town types. Like Our Town meets up for coffee at Alice's Restaurant.

What a fun play this is! Fully realized with several recognizable and differentiated characters, it has great dialogue and an atmosphere of the small town cafe that is perfectly set up. Finally, there's a terrific twist that you won't see coming. This could work as a full-length play, too, as the characters are such that you want to spend more time with them. (That potting soil needs to make it to the cafe!)