Off-Broadway Theater Review: Stuffed

Ann Harada, Lisa Lampanelli, Jessica Luck, and Zainab Jah. Photo: Carol Rosegg

Stuffed
By Lisa Lampanelli
Directed by Jackson Gay
WP Theater
McGinn/Cazale Theatre
Through Nov. 6

By Lauren Yarger
What's It All About?
A humorous discussion about food by two-time Grammy nominated comedian Lisa Lampanelli (Comedy Central) who also stars. She is joined on stage by Ann Harada (Cinderella, Avenue Q), Zainab Jah (Eclipsed) and Jessica Luck (The Digger).

The four share their experiences with food and weight gain. Amongst the chatter which involves them all, each character gets a moment in the spotlight (Yael Lubetzky, lighting design) where we get an idea of why they struggle with weight and self esteem. One started taking laxatives at age 7 and struggles with anorexia and bulimia. Lisa lost a bunch of weight with surgery and struggles to keep it off, even as she mourns the loss of an overweight lover. One of the women insists she is OK with being heavier -- until she digs a little deeper into her past.

What are the Highlights?

It's funny -- there are a bunch of laugh-out-loud lines -- without trivializing the deeper issues here (Ashley Austin Morris provides additional material). It's a brisk 80 minutes and Director Jackson Gay keeps things well ordered while allowing for a playful quality which she does so well. (The author's notes in the program are a riot too. Don't miss them.) Every woman will be able to relate to something or someone in the play.

Stuffed kicks off the 2016-2017 season at WP Theater (formerly called The Women's Project). WP Theater is the nation’s oldest and largest theater company dedicated to developing, producing and promoting the work of female theater artists at every stage in their careers. 

What are the Lowlights?
None.

More Info:

Stuffed runs through Nov. 6 at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway (at 76th Street), NYC. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7 pm, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 and 8 pm; Sunday at 2 pm. Special scheduling: There are no Saturday performances on Oct. 22 and Nov. 5; Sunday performances at 7 pm have been added on Oct. 23 and Nov. 6. Special (early) matinees have been added at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 19 and Wednesday, Nov. 2. Tickets are $45-$65 with some discounts available: wptheater.org/show/stuffed.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FACTORS:

-- God's name taken in vain

-- Language