Fat Pig is Phat

Neil LaBute has the uncanny ability to express what people often think (but never ever say) in his plays. He explores a dark, cold & shallow side of people that most never see. I saw Fat Pig at Dominion Stage over the weekend. It came as no surprise to me that the show was outstanding...besides the strength of the script, I've also seen the work of all four cast members (Erin DeCaprio, Christopher Holbert, Chuck Dluhy, & Allyson Harkey) and have worked with director Sara Joy Lebowitz. There wasn't a weak link in the cast. All four created characters that we know in real life...stereotypes that exist...the heavyset but terrific woman that everyone wants to see happy; the handsome hero with everything going for him; the obnoxious and superficial friend that everyone hates; and the neurotic office gal who is attractive and fun but who can't seem to hold on to a man.

The play is extremely well-written, with such natural dialogue that you always feel as though you're hearing a real conversation and not a performance. But in the hands of the wrong director, or less than stellar actors, it can fail miserably as it doesn't have the "high drama" or the glamour of other shows. Fortunately for Dominion Stage, they've got all the magical ingredients.

DeCaprio as Helen is luminous. If the play didn't center around her weight, it wouldn't be noticed; she absolutely radiates beauty, energy, and charisma. She gives a heartfelt performance that never allows for self pity or exaggeration. It's just an eloquent testimony to the strength of her character. She's a role model for being happy with who you are, and refusing to accept anything less than she deserves.

Holbert as Tom gives us the hero with a flaw. We'd love to think he's above peer pressure and caring about what anyone thinks, but he's just as fallible as the rest of us. His Tom is sweet and sensitive, but lacks more self-confidence than even he realized. He gives us an internal picture that's not nearly as pretty as his outsides, and ultimately disappoints everyone he's seduced with his charm...Helen and the audience. It's a brilliant, vulnerable portrayal.

Chuck Dluhy has to be one of the nicest guys in theatre...which is why his depiction of an asshole the size of, well, his character's mother, is so fantastic. He creates the role of Carter, Tom's friend and officemate , and keeps the audience riveted. He spews disdain and mocking so well that it's impossible not to watch him every time he takes the stage...it's like rubbernecking on the side of the highway! There are layers to his audacity...and Dluhy has painted each one beautifully.

Allyson Harkey makes Jeannie nagging, shrill, nervy and sarcastic...totally perfect for her role. One can see why Tom is constantly putting off her advances and finding it so difficult to be honest with her...she is a character without being a caricature. She's done a terrific job of being unlikeable, and yet gives enough of her character's weakness that one finds sympathy for her.

Pacing, set, sound design...everything worked in perfect harmony. It's a show that will leave you thinking long after you've left the theatre. It's a show you don't want to miss. There are two weekends left...

www.dominionstage.org for more info