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 Leave Them Loving - Geffen Playhouse
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Leave Them Loving

An Interview with playwright Douglas Lyons

By Amy Levinson, Geffen Playhouse Associate Artistic Director

AMY LEVINSON: The romantic comedy feels like such a rarity in the theater these days, and a welcome offering. What inspired you to pursue this genre?

DOUGLAS LYONS: I was raised on the Black ’90’s-early 2000’s rom com—Love & Basketball, Poetic Justice, Two Can Play That Game, Love Jones, and more. Those films were such an iconic chapter in Black cinematic brilliance, and I wanted to bring that levity and love to the American stage.

AL: We always enjoy having a second production in house as we know how much can change from the world premiere. Can you speak to one or two discoveries you made during the first production that you knew you wanted to delve into for this incarnation?

DL: In my rewrite for the Geffen production my goal was to equal the scale of accountability between Jada and Dallas. Audiences at MCC Theater were extremely vocal—in the best way—and taught me where I could make the story even more complex. With Table 17, I never want to offer concrete answers, instead I want to offer various points of view about relationships and let the audience decide what feels right for them.

AL: What do you want Geffen audiences feeling when they leave Table 17?

DL: Complete and utter joy. It is so rare to witness unapologetic Black love like this in the theater. I want couples from all backgrounds falling deeper in love after they see this play. I want folks reaching out to the exes they still think about. I want people to ask themselves if they’re getting what they need from their current partners. In the tough times we’re currently living in, I want this play to be a beacon of light, a tickle to the gut, and a reminder to love fearlessly.

AL: What or who inspires you as an artist?

DL: I have a collection—Doechii, Ziwe, Ts Madison, Viola Davis, Mr. [Tyler] Perry, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Issa Rae, Quinta Brunson, and more. I love distinct, intentional human beings who own who they are and what they want. They don’t wait for the world to hand them anything, they go out and build it for themselves. I’m also very inspired by funny people. They’ve taught me not to take myself too seriously.

A Word From the Writer

Laugh openly with us. Love with us. Let this play remind you of that ex you wanna strangle and the one you can't stop thinking of. Unbutton your top button, the pants too, and be free. The characters will ask you for advice, don't be shy, talk to 'em. This restaurant is lively and we're oh so glad you're here.

—Douglas Lyons, Playwright, Table 17

Table 17

NOV 5 – DEC 7, 2025
WEST COAST PREMIERE OF THE MCC THEATER PRODUCTION
GIL CATES THEATER

Written by Douglas Lyons
Directed by Zhailon Levingston
Produced in Association with Mark Cortale
Featuring Gail Bean, Biko Eisen-Martin & Michael Rishawn

If your ex called, would you answer? Jada and Dallas were once engaged—now, they’re meeting for dinner to untangle the past. Between cheeky waiters, old wounds, and the undeniable spark that still lingers between them, their “casual” reunion may ignite a bomb neither of them can defuse. Fresh off its hit Off-Broadway debut and from the creative minds of Douglas Lyons (Chicken & Biscuits) and Zhailon Levingston (Cats: The Jellicle Ball), this witty new play serves up romance, regrets, and the unexpected possibility of second chances.

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

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