“Play With Your Food” (PWYF) is a play reading series that happens weekdays during lunchtime, noon-1:30 p.m., so folks can run out from work, eat lunch and catch a show before returning to their desks.
At PWYF, audiences are offered a substantial buffet lunch, then listen to professional actors read short plays and discuss them briefly. “Our goal is to present really good writing performed by first rate actors,” said Carole Schweid, artistic director, “And to get people out at 1:30 p.m. exactly, so they can get back to work.” Now in its 12th season, PWYF has programs in Westport, Fairfield and Greenwich, running from January through April.
Coming up in Westport Feb. 4, 5 and 6, and in Fairfield on Feb. 11 are three plays by award-winning authors. Pulitzer Prize winner David Auburn (“Proof”) is represented by “Amateurs,” a cynical look at legal agreements and their consequences. “The Interview” by A.R. Gurney (“The Dining Room”) questions a father”™s trust of his son; and “Farewell and Adieu” (Jack Neary) hilariously pits two friends and competing actresses, against each other. Lunch will be catered by Matsu Sushi in Westport and Osianna Mediterranean Taverna in Fairfield.
Play With Your Food in Greenwich on Friday, Feb. 7, will be held during cocktail hour, with wine and hors d”™oeuvres at 6:30 p.m.; plays and discussion 7-8 p.m. Plays include “Dinner With Friend” by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies; “Busy, Busy” from Broadway”™s “I Love You, You”™re Perfect, Now Change” (Joe DiPietro); and “J-E-T-S,” by PWYF”™s secret comic weapon, Fred Stroppel. Catering will be by Louie”™s in Cos Cob.
When asked about the success of PWYF, Schweid said, “We have found a rare synergy here in Fairfield County by combining especially good local restaurants, professional working actors and an audience that appreciates both. We are grateful for our staying power. “
Tickets for all Play With Your Food shows, including lunch, are $43. To purchase tickets, see a complete schedule and locations, visit jibproductions.org or call the box office Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at (203) 293-8831.
