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 52^nd St

New York City

Final Extension thru September 29th