Love and Life Lessons Served At 'Table 17'

(l-r) Biko Eisen-Martin, Michael Rishawn, Gail Bean 

By Darlene Donloe 

On the outside, "Table 17" is a deliciously witty and romantic play. But on the inside, there’s a lot more going on in this rom-com than meets the eye, namely a whole bunch of life and love lessons.

This refreshing production, written with panache by Douglas Lyons and directed with precision by Zhailon Levingston, is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and second chances. And while it might look like there are some easy and obvious solutions and decisions to be made, Lyons has written a thought-provoking digest that, beyond the laughs, deserves an honest, deep dive. 

Before the show begins, the audience is encouraged to give the actors on stage honest, verbal feedback on what they are watching.

Several audience members were strategically placed on stage in a restaurant setting, creating a sense of being part of the action, as if sitting at a neighboring table. 

Gail Bean

The story follows Jada and Dallas, ex-fiancés reuniting for dinner to untangle their past.

The play jumps back and forth from the time they met to the present. We see Jada, a flight attendant, and Dallas, a would-be Kanye at the beginning of his music career. 

Things are going great until Dallas starts spending more time in the music studio than at home. Feeling neglected, Jada begins a friendly relationship with a co-worker that quickly turns amorous. The affair leaves everyone breathless – but for different reasons. 

Flash forward – two years after their breakup, Jada and Dallas meet at an upscale restaurant called Bianca’s for dinner. Both bring their own share of tension and unresolved feelings, each not wanting the other to know how much they miss them, or that the love is still there.

With cheeky waiters, old wounds, and a palpable spark between them, their "casual" reunion becomes anything but.

Biko Eisen-Martin

The cast, featuring Gail Bean, Biko Eisen-Martin, and Michael Rishawn, delivers standout performances that bring depth and nuance to the characters. 

Bean’s Jada is stimulating as she fills the stage with each strut and third-wall gaze. At the same time, Eisen-Martin’s Dallas shows depth and range, as does Rishawn’s portrayal of both a self-proclaimed ‘gay’ but full of personality maître-d and a ‘straight’ and hella sexy flight attendant, both of whom are applause-worthy. 

The play's unique blend of humor, drama, and intimacy makes for an unforgettable experience, serving up romance, regrets, and the unexpected possibility of second chances. 

The quick changes the actors make throughout the show are fascinating and fun to watch. The dialogue's realness and the chemistry among all the actors keep the play on fire. 

‘Table 17’ is fresh off its hit Off-Broadway debut. 

Michael Rishawn

Kudos to the scenic designer (Jason Sherwood), the costume designer (Devario D. Simmons), the lighting designer (Ben Stanton), the sound designer (Christopher Darbassie), and the hair and wig designer (Nikiya Mathis). 

‘Table 17,’ written by Douglas Lyons and directed by Zhailon Levingston, stars Gail Bean, Biko Eisen-Martin, and Michael Rishawn. It’s produced in association with Mark Cortale.

On the DONLOE SCALE: (d) don’t bother, (o) oh, no, (n) needs work, (l) likeable, (o) oh, yeah, and (e) excellent. ‘Table 17’ gets an E (excellent).

‘Table 17,’ Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, Monday, Tuesday No performance, Wednesday, Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday 2 and 7 p.m., through Dec. 7, 2025, $36-$139, 310 208 2028 or online at www.geffenplayhouse.org 

*There will be one performance on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

WARNINGS

Strobe Lighting Effects • Loud Music • Aisles Used for Actor Entrances & Exits 

Content Advisory: This production contains profanity. Age Recommendation: 12+

All Geffen Playhouse productions are intended for an adult audience; children under 10 will not be admitted. 

Running time: 85 minutes, no intermission