If your ex called, would you answer? Okay, you need more context. If your ex called would you answer knowing YOU were the one who destroyed the relationship?
Playwright Douglas Lyons’ Table 17 explores the demise of the relationship between Jada (Gail Bean) and Dallas (Biko Eisen-Martin) who were once engaged—now, they’re meeting for dinner at Bianca’s Restaurant to untangle the past.
And oh my gosh are they untangling.
Jada has changed outfits an extraordinary amount of times while Dallas is pumping himself up, listening to Usher’s “You Don’t Have to Call”, reminiscing on all the times he reached out to Jada to no avail after realizing he was BLOCKED! It’s a scene straight out of any broken-up couple’s life!
When they finally link up and are sitting across from each other the tension is thick. Emotions are high, while both are secretly agonizing about whether the other one misses them or not. Thankfully the waiter is checking in on them at the right time to thaw these two OUT!
Lyon’s storytelling of BLACK LOVE is authentic, cheeky, witty and downright spot on as he breaks down the tense, hard conversation being had between Jada and Dallas as they flashback to how they met. When they fell in love. And when things became complicated as hell.
Imagine your Jada and you meet Dallas because you were at the club to meet up with your “homegirl that stood you up” and entered your corduroy loving lover boy who literally sweeps you off your feet. As you eventually move in together, you encourage him to “follow his dreams” only to have your relationship take a backseat while he’s making his dreams come true.
Missed calls. Cancelled dates. Unpleasant thoughts penetrating and tearing apart the bond you share feel like your heart is being ripped from your chest.
Lyon’s interpretation of two lovers who aren’t the best communicators, which allows Jada’s intrusive thoughts and assumptions to enter the chat which leads to confusion and heartbreak. The lack of being open about what you need from your partner found Jada in the arms of the all too willing co-worker Eric (Michael Rishawn) who was willing to woo her over a bet on the Clippers. Yes, those Clippers.
Eric asks Jada a simple yet profound question after realizing she’s experiencing relationship struggles, “Well, have you talked to him?” Instead of answering, she gives this awkward stare as if the light bulb just came on.
How many times do we assume instead of asking because we are afraid of the answer?
And once Dallas gets his “big break” and is busting at the seams to share his news, he gets a slap across the face, and Jada is BUSTED in 4K because his boy caught her out, hugged up, and smooching with Eric. YIKES!!!!!!!
This story will resonate with the audience because LOVE is universal and something we are all in search of and have got wrong. Some may think they want a do-over, but when the past comes calling, should we answer?
What they both needed was to be better communicators with one another and not feel the need to rush to the first open arms that presented themselves.
The trio (Bean, Eisen-Martin and Rishawn) are the perfect blend to keep audiences engaged, laughing and maybe shedding a tear under the thoughtful direction of Zhailon Levingston.
The Gil Cates Theatre transforms into Bianca’s Restaurant (which audience members can purchase tickets to be on stage during the performance) which is filled with exuberant lights, color, sound and a disco ball replete of a groovy night club scene straight out of the 90’s.
The costume design down showcases the simplicity of Jada and Dallas and how they have grown (or not) and River’s pink, sparkly platforms amplified the individuality that make us who we are.
Are more secrets in store for Jada and Dallas? Will the two reconnect? Find out when you add Table 17 to your must see theatre list.
Table 17 opens Nov. 13 and closes December 7.
CAST
Gail Bean as Jada
Biko Eisen-Martin as Dallas
Michael Rishawn as River, Eric & Others
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Monday, Tuesday No performance*
Wednesday, Thursday 7:30 p.m.**
Friday 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Black Partner’s Appreciation night is scheduled for Nov. 21 and will benefit Dream Above The Influence, First Fifteen, Pan African Film & Arts Festival, and Scene & Heard. When selecting your seats, you may choose to benefit a single organization, or select “Share With All” to have ticket proceeds shared equally among all organizations.
LOCATION
Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse | 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets currently priced at $36.00 – $139.00. Available by phone at 310.208.2028 or online at www.geffenplayhouse.org. Fees may apply.
All Geffen Playhouse productions are intended for an adult audience; children under 10 years of age will not be admitted.
If you are interested in group sales and/or becoming a theatre partner, contact Karen Gutierrez, Director of Advertising & Audience Development at [email protected].
