Theater Review: Black Tie

(L to R) Ari Brand as Teddy, Carolyn McCormick as Mimi, Elvy Yost

as Else, Gregg Edelman as Curtis and Daniel Davis as Curtis’s Father. Photo Credit: James Leynse

It’s The Old Generation's Way of Thinking vs. New
By Lauren Yarger
Just how much do our parents, living or dead, influence our behavior and thinking? That’s the question A.R. Gurney asks in his new play, Black Tie, just extended for a third time Off Broadway at Primary Stages.

Curtis (Gregg Edelman) is preparing to make the toast at the rehearsal dinner for his son’s wedding, and has had his father’s old tuxedo tailored for the occasion (Jess Goldstein, costumes). He gets some tips on how to wear it correctly and how to charm the guests at the dinner from and unexpected source -- the ghost of his father (Daniel Davis).

Curtis’ wife, Mimi (Carolyn McCormick), isn’t sure the tux is a good idea (call them evening clothes, the ghost who has an opinion on everything, corrects, heard only by Curtis). Her son, Teddy (Ari Brand) and his wife-to-be, Maya (not seen), are more modern and she’s not sure the formal black tie look is what they really want. Besides, ever since he put the jacket on, she thinks Curtis has been sounding more and more like his father.

Suddenly Teddy’s sister, Elsie (Elvy Yost), arrives at their hotel room to report a problem (designed by John Arnone, the high-ceilinged, paneled room looks more like a hotel lobby than guest quarters) . There might be a last-minute guest for the dinner, disrupting all of the place-card arranging that she and her mother already have already done. Sure enough, the guest, a stand-up comic called Seymour, shows up and offers to do his routine as a gift for Maya, who happens to be his ex. Besides throwing a curve to Teddy on the eve of his wedding, the comedian’s stand-up, which includes complete music and video segments, could mean there won’t be time to include Curtis’ toast.

Gurney’s script, directed by Mark Lamos, is full of humor, particularly an escalating “just-when-you-thought-it-couldn’t-get-any-worse” kind when it comes to issues with the bride and her family. Apparently the bride isn’t happy with the way Teddy’s more conservative parents influence him, or with the “snooty” way they have treated her and her parents. The wedding might not take place, unless Curtis, prompted by his father, who was prompted by his father, can help Teddy decide whether or not he really loves Maya. But times have changed since Curtis’ father was around. Can he and Curtis find a way to embrace the thinking of a more modern Teddy who would prefer to wear an Obama T-shirt and jacket to his wedding instead of the traditional and more formal black tie?

It’s a light and fun new offering from the celebrated Gurney with a few more political digs than are needed, but with enough laughs tied around some thoughtful insights to entertain for 90 minutes. And don’t miss Davis, who is particularly good as the ghost continually looking over Curtis' shoulder. John Gromada provides nice original music and sound design, too.

Black Tie is extended through March 27 at 59E59 Theaters, 59 East 59th St., NYC. For tickets call 212-840-9705, ext. 219 or visit www.primarystages.org.

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