Biko
Eisen-Martin, Michael Rishawn, and Kara Young in Table 17. Photo: Daniel J.
Vasquez
Table 17
By
David Schultz
Playwright Douglas Lyons gives this savvy modern-day update of a
rom-com unexpected dimension and heft. In a mere 80 minutes, and with a superb
three-member cast, Table 17 dissects a fractured romantic relationship
with precision. With quick cinematic vignettes, director Zhailon Levingston shows
us the initial stirrings of a budding romance, and its inevitable downfall.
The play takes place at a restaurant, with a raised platform
center stage surrounded by small tables filled with audience members that sit
among the cast and become part of the show. At Table 17 Jada (Kara Young)
reconnects cautiously with her ex-fiancé, Dallas (Biko Eisen-Martin) as they
attempt to examine their shaky past. Both are still attracted to each other but
fearful of getting hurt again. After two years apart they have much to unpack.
Throughout the play in swift strokes their perspectives are given
vivid life as the non-linear scenes bounce against each other. This effective
device shines light upon each character as the entire relationship is revealed
from their own viewpoint. This being a rom-com, it would be remiss not to
mention the abondance of sly humor imbedded in the play. Missed signals and
unspoken words collide to show in incremental detail how these two lovebirds
drifted apart.
The third actor in the play, portrayed with razor sharp humor by
Michael Rishawn, covers all the other secondary characters. With chameleonlike
skill he morphs into a sexy bartender, a co-worker who attempts to woo her away
from Dallas and, most memorably, an over-the-top gay waiter with bitchy asides
to the audience as he waits on table 17 rolling his eyes as he displays his
frustration with his patrons.
Michael Rishawn (Photo: Daniel J.
Vasquez)
Jada is still seeing a therapist; Dallas is working through his
alcohol addiction; both are groping toward healing. The music career that
Dallas had been striving for had kept him unavailable and increasingly remote
as Jada needed emotional support and attention. The dueling emotional
temperature is at the heart of the play. As in frequent scenarios a sexual
indiscretion rears its head causing more complication. The expert weaving of
all these developments are portrayed in blissful fully formed captivating
performances. With unnerving skill Kara Young creates miracles with her
impeccable endearing portrait. Is there nothing this consummate actress cannot
accomplish?
Biko Eisen is an equal partner. Dallas shows off his bravado and
wounded-bird emotions as he attempts to reestablish a connection with Jada. The
almost musical dance of this couple ends on a frozen tentative note that leaves
the audience open to their own romantic conclusion. The set design by Jason
Sherwood works wonders with its site specific restaurant setting. Devario D.
Simmons gives eye-popping life to the wildly varied costumes with rapid fire
changes.
Table 17 has a very short run; here's hoping it will be revived in
the near future. But anyone who has the good fortune to catch this play in its
current incarnation with this crackerjack cast is in for a delectable treat.
Table
17
Playing
at The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space
511
West 52nd St
New
York City
Final
Extension thru September 29th