"Great play...reason why? Because, one, it's entertaining as plays should
be, and two, it's critical of certain issues pertaining to infidelity, marriage,
and friendship. I watched this play as a required assignment, dreading the hour
or so I would spend in the theater. When I left the theater however, I came
out with a different appreciation for great plays like this. Let's just hope
that as I watch more and more plays that they are remotely close to the entertaining
and critical Phyro-Giants!" 12/4/01
My personal thanks to all the people who have responded
to Phyro-Giants! More than a few people have said that at several points in
the play they wanted to chime in...that they wanted to be part of the conversation
happening on-stage. To me, that's the coolest thing anyone could say, because
we've all had dinners like this, and we all have fascinating friends who for
the most part just go about their lives, but still manage to astonish us every
now and again with their insight, humor, and their general all-around sweetness.
Even though I think it would be fascinating, I really can't have people just
yelling stuff out during the play, so I hope many more of you will write in
and keep the conversation going. Thanks in advance for your thoughts, and
check out what other people have had to say.
-Blieden
"An anecdotal evening of witty banter and revelations. Reminded me of a
dinner conversation I had with several friends when I was at Oberlin. A few
bottles of Cabernet will open up the table quite a bit. Well done!" 11/8/01
"Intriguing conversation between four "friends." There's a certain comfort
gained the moment we realize this is not your ordinary dinner engagement. At
one point, a similar slightly strange and awkward situation is bound to happen
to all of us, if it hasn't happened already. The comfort is knowing we're not
alone in the abnormality of it." 11/6/01
"i'm not ashamed to admit that i came to phyro to see myself. yeah, i'm
31 and jewish, and i guess i'd line up somewhere between matt and michael, though
i'll deny watching late-night porn if anyone ever asks. (by the way, i believe
it's not "Channel 35", but Manhattan Cable and "The Robyn Byrd Show" that i
think Matt mentions in the play). regardless, i came to your play because i
wanted to see people my age doing something that all people my age seem to want
- a warm evening with flowing, intelligent conversation that reminds us that
30-something life isn't as dull and dreary as it sometimes can seem over a cup
of coffee while drafting a memo at your middle-management desk. stuck between
bar tabs and early-bird specials, it's the dinner table that is our collective
pulpit. you've captured those magic moments perfectly, wandering between comedy
and irony and angst to create an unforgettable evening. congrats to you. has
there ever been any thought to making this a low-budget, indie film? or should
it stay in this pristine state? thanks for making my evening. - doug hirsch"
1/5/02
I must admit it was the movie Melvin
Goes to Dinner and not the play Phyro-Giants! I was able to see. Most of the
film I was sitting leaning forward, indian-style, completely engrossed in the
conversation and many times wanting to respond to some of the "life questions"
asked in the film/play. I had to applaud after the last line. Fabulous. Original,
delightful, and thought-provoking, Phyro-Giants! captures a real conversation
between real people. Each person is more alive from having this conversation,
and the members of the audience walk away (or turn off the television) with
that energetic, refreshed feeling one takes away from lively, constant conversation
over glasses of wine. The stage needs more plays like this. 8/15/04