Capital Fringe Review: ‘Eve’s Big Fat Family Reunion’ by Lauren Katz


What do you get when Eve, Sarah, Abraham, and Adam’s first wife Lillith all come together for one big dinner party? Well you get crazy family reunion that’s for sure. Lois Cecsarini turns the bible on its head in her new musical Eve’s Big Fat Family Reunion. Witty writing, talented vocalists, and just a little silliness make for an interesting night you will always remember.

Cecsarini’s play discusses the stories of famous women in the bible, but with the added twist of song and the modern time period. Set in the Garden of Eden, the story focuses on the new friendship between Eve (Christine Callsen) and Adam’s first wife Lilith (Jacqui Farkas), and how they come together for one big family dinner. As Lilith explores catches up on the family stories she has missed since she was expelled from the garden, she has a chance to meet Eve’s children such as Sarah, Hannah, and Ruth, as they make their way to the family reunion.

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All of the characters had fun stories to tell, and I often found myself on the edge of my seat, eager to see which guest would arrive next. However, Cecsarini’s choice to highlight some of the lesser-known female characters make for amusing story lines about characters wishing they could have more important roles in the bible. The choice seemed to poke fun at the fact that in reality, the bible portrays women in a less than ideal light, which I found fascinating.

I have seen plays involving new biblical interpretations before, but Cecsarini’s original music adds a new and exciting twist to the story, especially with the talented vocalists in the cast. Callsen and Farkas started the show with a bang through “Made in the Image,” the opening number, and Tori Gowland as Ruth blew me away with her stunning rendition of “Sabbath Song.”  Katie Culligan’s portrayals of Hannah and Mary were simply brilliant. Her high energy and beautiful soprano voice made her numbers a blast to watch, and I even found myself wishing she had more solos when I realized the show was coming to an end.

If you want a music and fun, go see Eve’s Big Fat Family Reunion. It is an event you will not want to miss.

Running Time: 80 Minutes

Eve’s Big Fat Family Reunion, plays at Fort Fringe Redrum – 612 L St NW, in Washington, DC o7/19 at 10:15 pm, 7/20 at 4:00 pm, 7/21 at 9:00 pm, and 7/27 at 12:45pm. For performance information and tickets, go to their Capital Fringe Page.

LINK
2013 Capital Fringe Preview of Lois Cecsarini’s ‘Eve’s Big Fat Family Reunion’ by Bonnie Williams

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