The Curtain Closes on a Beloved Lunchtime Theater Tradition
For two decades, "Play With Your Food" has delighted audiences with its unique blend of theater, food, and community. This staged reading series, which has featured over 200 professional actors and 135 playwrights, is now taking its final bow, as the organizers face health challenges and retirement.
A Bittersweet Farewell to a Cherished Theatrical Experience
The Inception of a Lunchtime Delight
The idea for "Play With Your Food" was born when Carole Schweid and Nancy Diamond, both passionate about theater and food, recognized the lack of lunchtime entertainment options in the area. Inspired by their shared interests, they decided to create a series that would nourish both the mind and the stomach. With a "let's put on a show!" mentality, they set out to bring their vision to life.Schweid, a Juilliard-trained actress with Broadway credits, and Diamond knew that the local area was teeming with talented actors and that New York-based performers would be eager to participate in a unique lunchtime gig. They focused on one-act plays, offering a staged reading followed by a thought-provoking talkback with the director, actors, and/or playwright, all complemented by a delicious catered lunch.
A Diverse and Delightful Repertoire
Over the course of 20 years, "Play With Your Food" expanded its reach, bringing its unique brand of entertainment to venues in Southport, Stamford, and Greenwich. The series curated a diverse repertoire, ranging from comedies and romances to mysteries and musicals, showcasing both classic works and unpublished gems.Schweid and her team scoured the country, attending one-act festivals and scouring book fairs and libraries to uncover the best one-act plays. From renowned playwrights like Arthur Miller, Langston Hughes, Tom Stoppard, and Ray Bradbury to up-and-coming and semi-forgotten writers, the series offered audiences a wide array of theatrical experiences.
A Sandwich of Laughter, Poignancy, and Community
Schweid likened the programming to a sandwich, with a couple of "funny or wacky" shows bookending the schedule and a more substantial, thought-provoking piece in the middle. Regardless of the genre, the common thread was that the audience would leave each performance in an uplifted mood, having been nourished not only by the food but also by the emotional and intellectual stimulation.The series attracted big-name actors, including James Naughton, Mia Dillon, Stacy Morgain Lewis, Scott Bryce, and Mark Shanahan, who embraced the opportunity to participate in this unique and engaging form of theater. Schweid marveled at the chance to bring such talented performers to local audiences, who might not have had the opportunity to see them in a traditional theater setting.
Adapting to the Challenges of the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Schweid and her team faced a new challenge. Undeterred, they pivoted, taking inspiration from the likes of Joe Papp and his Shakespeare in the Park productions. They brought the shows outdoors, staging "Chekhov in the parking lot" with the help of former Staples High School Players actors like Matt Van Gessel and Max Samuels.This innovative approach allowed "Play With Your Food" to continue entertaining audiences during the most difficult of times, providing a much-needed respite and sense of community.
The Final Curtain Call
As Carole Schweid's health issues and Diana Muller's retirement brought the curtain down on this beloved series, the organizers reflected on the indelible mark it has left on the community. Over the course of 350 performances, "Play With Your Food" has touched the lives of countless audience members, nourishing their hearts, minds, and stomachs.The final performances, scheduled for October 15, 16, and 17, will be bittersweet celebrations of a two-decade-long legacy. Schweid promises "theater, lunch, and hijinks," as well as a special treat – cake. As the series takes its final bow, the community will gather to bid farewell to a cherished tradition that has become a beloved part of the local cultural landscape.
