People across the nation and world have seen Chef Carla Hall’s enthusiastic smile on television as she shares recipes.
Now, audiences can get Hall’s backstory in a world premiere theatrical debut, “Please Underestimate Me,” currently at the Olney Theatre Center until July 12.
This is a one-woman production about how Hall built a successful career in the world of food as a chef, entrepreneur, author, and beloved media personality. But where Hall is now did not happen overnight.
“Everything that has happened in my life has been post-40 years old,” said the Emmy award-winning television star. “I didn’t get married, run my first marathon, be on “Top Chef” on ABC, and write my first cookbook until after 40.”
Timing is Everything
Co-written by Hall, Lorie Kay, and Leslie Thomas, “Please Underestimate Me” takes place on a set designed to look like a kitchen.
“I met Carla 10 years ago on “Halloween Baking Championship” on the Food Network,” said Thomas, a playwright and TV showrunner. “ She became a judge on[the] show. We immediately clicked.”
The set for the production adapts easily as the chapters in the chef’s life unfolds. Known for her famous biscuit recipe, Hall is actually making the biscuit dough during her performance. A copy of the recipe is in the program book for “Please Underestimate Me.”
Hall, from Nashville, Tennessee, attended Howard University, majoring in accounting. She took the usual path after getting her degree and worked as a CPA at PriceWaterhouse. After years in the corporate world, Hall realized she wanted to do something else.
“I saw this accountant folding a piece of paper, lining up the edges, and I said, “‘That can’t be me. I don’t want to be 40 and hate my job,’” said Hall.
Attracted by her outgoing, effervescent style, Hall was a fan favorite on “Top Chef,” leading to her being one of the four co-hosts for the ABC daytime lifestyle show “The Chew.”
Hall reveals harsh workplace realities, such as leaders second-guessing the chef’s on-air delivery. She was too this or too that. There was a disparity between her salary and the three male co-hosts’. Most of the time, life was confusing and sucked, she explained.
“You feel ashamed, and that can shut you down,” said Hall about her experiences. “Sharing lets the light in.”
Lessons Learned, Bringing the Food World to the Stage
Gaining courage, Hall learned that not holding back was the tool to move forward.
She lets the audience know that, in addition to her upbringing, attending a historically African American institution was where “Black Excellence” was drilled into her soul. The Howard University graduate embraced the fact that she was good enough and that the challenges she encountered on the path to success were not going to keep her down.
Helen Hayes Award-winning director Lili-Anne Brown’s leadership is brilliant in “Please Underestimate Me,” as she helps navigate Hall’s dialogue in moments of whimsy, remembering childhood trauma, and the triumphs of self-discovery.
Honorary producers for the production include Chef Eric Adjepong, owner of the D.C. restaurant Elima and, a featured chef on Food Network’s “Wildcard Kitchen”; author, restaurateur, and TV personality Chef Spike Mendelsohn; food and wine publisher Nycci Nellis; Emmy-nominated journalist and producer Erin Como; and Nina Oduro, co-founder of Black Women in Food.
“Please Underestimate Me” is not only entertaining but also encourages audiences not to hold back in pursuing their dreams.
“Not only is Carla a D.C.-based celebrity with global reach, she also happens to love, love, love theater,” said Jason Loewit, artistic director at Olney Theatre in the production’s program guide.
For more information, go to olneytheatre.org
