We never really know what’s going on in other people’s marriages. Indeed, it is often the couples who seem happiest and the friends we think we know best whose marriages are at the breaking point.
That’s the case with Beth and Tom, protagonists in Everyman Theatre’s newest production “Dinner with Friends,” which runs through April 7.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning dramedy, written by Jewish playwright Donald Margulies and directed by Everyman Founding Artistic Director Vincent M. Lancisi, explores how Tom’s decision to leave Beth after 12 years of marriage and two children confounds and shatters not only his wife but the couple’s best friends, foodies Gabe and Karen.
Featuring Everyman resident company members Megan Anderson (Beth), Danny Gavigan (Tom) and Beth Hylton (Karen), and Everyman newcomer M. Scott McClean (Gabe), the play’s action moves back and forth in time, illustrating the history of the two couples’ friendships and examining issues of loyalty, commitment and individuality. Food also plays a central role in “Dinner with Friends,” creating comic relief and as a metaphor for love and emotional nourishment.
Anderson is terrific as the ethereal, neurotic Beth, while Hylton is well-cast as Karen, a gourmet cook whose aura of confidence and competence can’t quite mask her vulnerability and insecurity.
Gavigan is at once charming and infuriating as the wayward Tom, who’s determined to fend off middle age by starting a new life with his idealized girlfriend. Meanwhile, McClean is immensely convincing and likable as Gabe, a responsible family man with deeply held convictions about monogamy and family responsibilities who still struggles with the envy stirred up by his best friend Tom’s new life.
With clever dialogue, and universal themes, “Dinner With Friends,” which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, offers an engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
For tickets and information, visit everymantheatre.org.
See Director Vincent Lancisi discuss “Dinner with Friends” on This Week in Baltimore Eating March 14:
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