“Table 17,” which has been extended at the MCC Theater through Sept. 29, is a romantic hoot! This world premiere play by Douglas Lyons is a hilarious show about relationships, and when the actors ask your opinion during the play, they really want you to give it! Be forewarned: this interactive show may bring up any old or current wounds you may have about any relationships that may have gone south. (Many audience members were quick to admit this play made them think of their exes.) In a very intimate, restaurant-like setting, Jada prepares to go on a date with her ex, Dallas, who had recently reached out to her. She wants him to see what he’s lost, so we help her decide which outfit will make him have the most regrets. They meet at Bianca’s and the host of the restaurant, named River, keeps the laughs and the responses flowing. He is a flamboyant host who will give you much more than you bargained for when you walked into this establishment.
The couple share flashbacks that reveal what happened in their relationship and what went wrong. You find out who cheated and why.
Kara Young, the gorgeous, hilarious, Tony-Award winner herself, plays Jada, and Kara can work it like no one else. She has such a marvelous stage presence and totally submerges herself in her character, which represents what so many women have to deal with concerning their exes. Biko Eisen-Martin is absolutely fantastic as Dallas; he is romantic, a little cocky, and very funny. Michael Rishawn demonstrates his versatility as a thespian as he effortlessly transitions between the roles of River the host; Eric, Jada’s co-worker; and Others. Rishawn completely inhabits each character with such energy, vitality, and, at times, sensuality that he will have men and women swooning!
There is a great deal of romantic chemistry between Young and Eisen-Martin and it is delightful to experience. This is the type of play that you want to see with a bunch of friends because you are all going to get a big kick out of it.
Direction by Zhailon Levingston is completely on-point. You will laugh from the beginning to the end of this very enjoyable and relatable work. The play features scenic design by Jason Sherwood, costume design by Devario D. Simmons, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Christopher Darbassie, and hair and wig design by Nikiya Mathis, who just won a special Tony for “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.” For ticket info, visit www.mcctheater.org and rush to 511 W 52nd Street to catch this while you still can.