Theater Review: The Big Meal

Savor the Flavors of Life While You Can Until the Plate is Taken Away
By Lauren Yarger
Our family members are the ingredients, the recipe is life. Dan LeFranc's bright and thoughtful new play The Big Meal Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons challenges us to eat what is put before us, before the table is cleared.
The metaphor plays out against the family dynamics of Sam and Nicole, whose courtship, marriage and family life unfold at tables with a talented ensemble of David Wilson Barnes, Griffin Birney, Tom Bloom, Anita Gillette, Jennifer Mudge, Rachel Resheff, Cameron Scoggins, Phoebe Strole and Molly Ward taking on the roles of the couple, their children, their grandchildren, Sam's parents and others through the years. The four-table set is created by David Zinn. Sam Gold effectively uses them and placement of the characters to blend a tale of life to which we all can relate.

One day we are dating with our whole life ahead, the next we're married with kids, the next they have kids. . . it all boils down to how we treat those with whom we make this life before the "big meal" -- our last moment at the table -- is placed before us.

LeFranc's sharp dialogue morphs the actors from one character to another, sometimes in the same sentence. Taut direction by Gold and skilled performances from all of the actors keep us on track and unconfused as transitions between people and times occur. This is a deliciously fresh play that entertainingly engages and makes us think. One of my favorites of the season.

The Big Meal runs through April 8 Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons, 416 West 42nd St., NYC. For tickets call (212) 279-4200.

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