“Fat Pig”: Serving Up Size Issues with a Side of Tender, Comic Fare
Words by Kristen Fogle
Exploring body type and the notions surrounding something so seemingly trivial, The Patio Playhouse presents Neil Labute’s “Fat Pig,”—and what’s delivered is a dish of poignancy, comical banter, and harsh realities, all played out by a very talented cast.
Opening night was a bit rocky what with some sound issues and a few regular backstage hands out sick, but nothing could phase the gifted actors nor the well crafted storyline one bit. At its core, “Fat Pig” is really Tom’s tale, a pretty ordinary 20-something stuck in a world—well, a lot like ours. Media exposure featuring the 10% of the population most “deserving” (read: beautiful and thin), friends who are sometimes self absorbed and downright callous, past flings gone awry and made more complicated by close proximity, and…well, Helen. (This last part is probably not like your life unless you know someone by the same name.) Helen is Tom’s saving grace in the midst of chaotic negativity, but somehow her slightly larger frame makes this ever-so-complicated. Meeting casually in a cafeteria one day, Helen and Tom’s relationship grows, despite resistance from Tom’s office friend Carter, a shallow and frank (but funny) tormentor who “just wants the best for him.” Meanwhile, catty office accountant Jeannie can’t seem to find solace in the fact that her and Tom’s on again/off again romance is over (to be fair, this is due in part to Tom’s wishy-washiness and an inability to finish complete sentences). She feels crippled by the fact that Tom is now dating a “fat girl” and feels this must be done in spite. But instead of Tom standing up to his peers (who have far less character and class than Helen), Tom proceeds to lie about her, keeps her separated from work and friends, and becomes emotionally unavailable. Without giving up vital plot components, I will leave it at this. It comes down to a decision that Tom ultimately makes in the end: one between love and the locusts that plague him every day—swarms of expectations by colleagues and friends that threaten to pull him in the wrong direction.
Though the title “Fat Pig” references Helen’s character, her role is slightly subservient to Tom’s (Alexander Mayes). Mayes plays him like an everyman, believably belying his feelings and frequently falling for the things that are popular and not right. Mayes’ Tom flits between being an emotionally competent, sensitive sweetheart and pulling back to make room for all the nonsense and drivel thrown his way by others. You sense from Mayes that perhaps Tom’s struggle has been his own; but whether the product of believable acting, life experience, or both, he expresses conflict well while also maintaining a likability. Helen (PJ Anbey) is a dynamic force for what is good and true; though, since her weight is such an apparent issue, we wonder if Helen really is OK with her image or has just learned to adorn a happy face. Aside from that, Helen’s flirtatiousness is attractive, and it is refreshing to see a young woman woo with something more than just bare skin. It is when she succumbs to other’s images of her that Anbey’s characterization becomes more real…and depressing; we are reminded that this is the world in which we actually operate. Carter (Alex Guzman) gives gusto to the play, turning it up a notch; something about Guzman’s energy captivates and leaves us hanging on his every insult. (Not to mention Guzman and Mayes have a great on stage chemistry.) Jeannie (Beth Gallagher) is played with a fierce coldness that propels us to feel for Tom; however, she displays qualities in the end (and no, not just a bikini shot) that redeem the abrasiveness of her character a bit.
Patio Playhouse is a prime place to explore this piece. The casual, inviting atmosphere feels like a safe space to really examine the uncomfortable realities on stage. My press packet even includes a “thank you” for attending the show from director and artistic manager Jim Clevenger, who has clearly taken his time with and put a lot into this important piece. A “thank you” right back to the cast and crew; “Fat Pig” will keep you entertained (and give you much to think about) well after the show is over.
“Fat Pig” plays through October 9. For more information, please visit: www.patioplayhouse.com
For the original article, please visit http://artsnfashion.com/index.php/component/content/article/49/108-fat-pig-review-by-kristen-fogle
"locusts that plague him every day—swarms of expectations by colleagues and friends that threaten to pull him in the wrong direction"
ReplyDeleteSOLID line. Well done.