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What happened to our literature in 2020?
What kind of document did we create of the vast bewilderment, the isolation, fear, and loss?
The plays light, alinear movement circles around a restaurant and also the idea of a restaurant.
Have you readFlights of Fancy?
Server 2:Theyre companion pieces.
You cant understand one without the other.
S1:But literally no one readsFlights of Fancy!
S2:Some customers have.
The true customers have.
S1:Obscure, but essential.
S2:Its Gary Robinsons best book.
The metaphorical leap to theaterisnt hard to make.
Both, at their best, are made up of intertwined flights of fancy and acts of service.
Both are fueled by passion and, at their less-than-best, take advantage of it.
What else makes a restaurant the perfect symbol for playmaking?
COVID-19 took both away from us.
The citys so dark tonight, says Mina (Flood).
Why is everything closed?
says Ben (Keller), blinking into the shadows.
Theres no taxis, theres no cars on the streets …
I dont hear the subway, the lights are all red.
shouts the excellent Stephanie Barry during a wickedly funny moment of metatheatrical breakdown.
Thats where the title comes in.
SoStaff Mealis a play for the people who make plays.
Its a specific concept, this restaurant, says Barbagallos server with scholarly confidence.
You have to know what youre in for.
Herlihys server isnt so sure.
She tilts her head, musing: But how many people are really into it?
Koogler knows that people are going to use words like weird and surreal and experimental to describeStaff Meal.
Its not about dumbing down or straightening out, but about working from a place of invitation.
If its not plague, its capitalism or plain shit luck.
But who is Gary?
Markey isand I say this as highest praisea total freak.
Staff Mealis at Playwrights Horizons through May 19.
