In Fat Pig, by Neil LaBute, A man (Tom, played by Steven Pasquale) falls for an overweight woman (Helen, played Ashlie Atkinson). Drawn in by her sense of humor, self-acceptance and love of war movie, Tom starts out with with every intention to overcome his insecurities about dating an overweight woman, Things begin to unravel when his co-workers ridicule him for dating a fat woman and for dating down.
In the end, he isn't strong strong enough to stay in the relationship, rejects her, and hurts someone her truly cares for.
(Sorry, the NY run is almost over and you probably cant get tickets)
The performances were all very good, especially Ashlie Atkinson (Helen, the Fat Pig). Andrew McCarthy (of Brat Pack fame) plays the ridiculing co-worker. McCarthy was a bit over the top but I suspect that may be due ion part LaButes writing.
I waiver on wether or not I like LeBute in General (In the Company of Men, Your Friends and Neighbors). I expected more of the trademark humiliation and found this to be a much straighter exploration of emotion and social dynamics. It balanced well a mixture of humor and sweetness against an honest look at the unflattering behavior, thoughts and strategies that we are all guilty of engaging in.
Happy Friday all you dirty bastards.
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