Maybe we’re all just hungry? “PARTY?” is a contemporary play written by Anne Marilyn Lucas and directed by Myriam Cyr. This comedic yet insightful show follows the character of Aaron, played by Jordan Lage, and explores themes of divorce, unfulfillment, fragile masculinity, and desire. Aaron’s obsession with his alpha male therapist fuels the play’s major conflict: whether or not to divorce his wife, Diana. Drawing inspiration from “A Doll’s House,” “PARTY?” is perfect to watch for a good laugh with friends or family.
The best way to describe the play’s lead, Aaron, would be: “Mama’s Boy.” Aaron is a spoiled father who is experiencing a midlife crisis. His insufferable character and stubborn personality are, at times, hard to watch throughout the play, as you want to scream to his wife, Diana, “Dump him!” Aaron’s mother spoiled him growing up, creating unfair expectations for his wife, Diana, later in life. She is required to do every task for him, like ironing his boxers or making him chicken sandwiches with only organic chicken. Although his character is frustrating, he brings many meaningful themes to the play, reflecting elements of toxic masculinity and manipulation within a relationship. He controls the relationship by grabbing onto Diana’s weaknesses and using them against her. From the beginning of their relationship, this is noticeable as he makes her feel as though no one else would marry her, and that he is helping her by not leaving. From then on, he is an ungrateful, spoiled son to her, rather than her equal partner. His lack of desire in life makes him envious of Diana. She is fulfilled with her employment and is even getting potential promotions. This is when he turns to his “therapist,” who brainwashes him into believing he needs a divorce because there is an unequal power dynamic. As someone who has zero similarities to the character, I found the role of Aaron intriguing. Audiences had to search within him to find any sense of good. Though his character might be irritating, there are some aspects that others might relate to. His lack of fulfillment in life and his marriage are relatable themes to many older audiences and create space to empathize with his character as he is lost within himself and how he should feel.
Diana, played by Audrey Heffernan Meyer, is the character most want to root for throughout the play. As an audience member, I had mixed feelings watching her character progress. Initially, her unconditional support and love for Aaron make it hard for an audience to follow, as you want her to snap at him once he mentions the divorce. But as the play progresses, you realize the complexities that surround her as an individual. She becomes more vulnerable and expresses the ways in which she seeks validation and is manipulated by her husband. She completely adapts her life to him, making sure that she is skinny enough for him, present enough for him, and a good enough cook for him. As we enter the last moments of the play, it becomes easy to connect to her as she has a breakthrough with what she wants for the first time. The dynamic between Diana and Aaron reveals traditional marital expectations that many women suffer from. This is further delved into through the side couples of the play, Aaron’s parents, and the relationship Diana and Aaron’s son shares with his fiancée.
The grandparents portray the traditional aspect of marriage, where Esther, played by Pamela Shaw, sticks through marriage even when cheated on. Although they represent the traditional aspects, it is fulfilling to watch Esther hold the dominant role within the relationship, often pushing around her husband Felix, played by Alan Ceppos, and controlling the narrative of his affair. Esther’s character is by far one of the funniest, and she had me tearing up from laughter during her fake heart attack scene.
Caitlyn and Jason, played by Molly Chiffer and Brian Mason, demonstrate a relationship where Caitlyn is fully in control, and the two discuss a potential polyamorous marriage. With these two contrasting couple dynamics, Aaron and Diana are stuck in the middle, with both sides trying to sway their conflict resolution. Should Diana stay with Aaron after what he has done to her, or should she leave him and explore a life where she is the center of her world? The exploration of relationships through the lens of generational experiences adds depth to the play, as it shows the evolution of what is believed to be a proper relationship.
Are the characters just hungry? This is a question that is subtly sprinkled throughout the play. Hunger represents the characters’ desire for something else. Each character within the play desires change. Whether or not the change is morally acceptable, each one is tempted to act on these desires. Aaron’s desire to divorce his wife and “explore” sexual endeavors is the driving factor of the play’s conflict. Diana’s hunger for freedom is what leads to her eventual fate. Jason’s desire to keep the relationship monogamous, coupled with Caitlyn’s trust issues, lead to a potential break within their engagement. While hunger is the embodiment of chaos within the play, it doesn’t necessarily result in negative outcomes, but rather, enlightened ones.
This delightful comedy is worth experiencing as a source of entertainment and a way to gain a new perspective on desire and fulfillment. I deeply enjoyed sitting down for 90 minutes and entering Aaron’s mind and the disasters he created. Although many of the characters might not be the most likable, their interactions with each other are what makes the play so authentic and addicting. The ride this play takes you on is not steady, and by the end of it, you will be clenching your fists at the words,“ my therapist says,” but trust me, it’s worth it.
Buy tickets to see “PARTY,” playing at Theater for the New City, online HERE.
