By Andy Dillehay
The Table, Nebraska Communities Playhouse, May 3, 2024
There is something spectacular about seeing the world premier of a new work. Particularly when it’s in your own backyard. Including themes of camaraderie, community, and connection, it was quite fitting for The Table to make its debut at a community theatre, the Nebraska Communities Playhouse. With music and lyrics by Lee Black, Gina Boe, and Tony Wood, and book by Gina Boe, and a remarkable directorial debut from Marikita Saure, The Table feels seasoned.
The Table tells the story of Laura, played by Amanda Stemen, a young woman organizing a year-long series of monthly dinners with four friends, all of whom are unfamiliar with one another. These friends include Kate, a sardonic and dry gym owner, played by Zoe Tien, Jamie, a no-nonsense realtor juggling a chaotic career and family life, played by Laura Lynn Horst, Marilea, a grieving widow, played by Torey Dudley, and Olivia, the doe-eyed college student and former pupil of Laura’s, played by Teagan Bade. Though her motives are unknown at the beginning of this initiative, it is clear that Laura has been methodical in selecting this group. While it seems these women have nothing in common, connections forge as the year progresses, including some surprising kinships. Considering that this is a new work, I will refrain from providing more details pertaining to the synopsis, as I don’t want to leak any spoilers.
The show opens with “Paper,” a charming musical number as Laura writes the invitations on pretty paper with purple ink. “Paper” leads into “Food & Friends,” which introduces us to each of the respective dinner guests. From the very top, we get to see the distinctly written characters come to life through the powerhouse performances of this cast. As the characters meet and become acquainted during “As Far As They Know,” only superficial aspects are displayed to the others, which is a strong commentary on how we, as a society, only reveal the “desirable” details. This matter gets explored further in “Pixel Perfect Life,” critiquing the effects of social media on our relationships.
The overarching theme throughout this production is the longing for connection. Even with a spouse, partner, children, or parents, there is a need for finding a community that is uniquely yours. The camaraderie amongst the women is evident, hitting a high point in the number “Good Medicine.” The bonds seem genuine as the rapport continues to build throughout the production. Another constant theme is the idea of being alone versus loneliness. While they can appear to be similar, they are distinctly different. In showcasing the diversity of the characters in the song “Alone,” we witness how the two are differentiated.
As the story progresses, the facade of the newly forming friendships begins to crack. What you see on the surface doesn’t always tell the whole tale. More truths are revealed and the intent of Laura’s dinners are questioned. To Laura, her motives have been clear from the beginning, lamenting, “I wish that getting to the good part wasn’t so hard.”
Without revealing too much, the second act wades through the difficult journey of getting to the “good part” that Laura is longing for. There were sniffles abound throughout the entire second act, with “Bridges to Islands” opening the floodgates. As we see these unlikely friendships form, we’re reminded of the innate need to connect with others.
In her valiant directorial debut, Marikita Saure displays her breadth of talents. In the program, she’s not only listed as the director, she’s also credited with scenic design, scenic projections, choreography, and set painting. Saure’s vision is fully realized, and her keen eye for detail is apparent. With this strong of a debut, I cannot wait to see what the director’s chair has in store. Additionally, she assembled a dynamic cast of six to bring The Table to life.
Amanda Stemen’s performance as Laura is earnest and layered, with deep emotion. As Kate, Zoe Tien gives a nuanced performance, exploring the range of her character and not leaning into a stereotype. Torey Dudley’s Marilea is established, charming, and heartfelt. Teagan Bade does a lovely job exploring the maturation of Olivia, with a voice beyond her years. As Laura’s husband, Ben, Nathan Kreutzer is gentle and honest.
Though the entire cast is solid, Laura Lynn Horst is a force to be reckoned with. Horst’s Jamie is the most grounded and emotionally raw. On top of that, her rich vocals, particularly in “What Do You Do,” blew the roof off of the Nebraska Communities Playhouse.
Though the main set is a home of Laura and her husband Ben, and most of the action takes place at the dining table, cleverly used set pieces and scenic projections show the passage of time and change in location. Saure makes the most use of the cast and crew to enact efficient scene transitions, while maintaining the momentum of the production, which is no easy feat.
Musical Director Justin Eisenbeis fully utilized the vocal talents of the cast, creating beautiful harmonies and a cohesive sound, catering to each performer’s strengths. Eisenbeis’ efforts were elevated by the talented band, comprised of Alex Wooten on keyboard, Garrett Hope on guitar/bass, and Lucas Eggers on drums.
The Table is a poignant exploration of human connection, skillfully brought to life by a talented cast and creative team. Through its captivating melodies and heartfelt performances, the production invites audiences to reflect on the importance of community, the complexities of friendship, and the universal longing for genuine connection. With its world premiere at the Nebraska Communities Playhouse, this musical not only entertains but also resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience its debut.
If you go: The Table runs from May 3 to May 12, 2024. Ticket information can be found at: https://neplayhouse.com
Andy Dillehay is an artist from Lincoln, Nebraska. Through exploring a variety of mediums, Andy shares his love of storytelling.
As always, if you liked this content and want more, please join our email list and like us on Facebook!