THE HUMANS by Pulitz Prize Playwright Stephen Karam at Helen Hayes Theater

Amer born playwright Stephen Karam received a Pulitz Prize nom for his drama "Sons of the Prophet," ('12) about an Lebanese-Amer family.  His current Bwy play, THE HUMANS is about a middle class Amer family from PA celebrating Thanksgiving together in a NYC duplex aptmt.  One of the 2 daughter just moved into the space with her boyfriend.  The family consists of an older married couple, their 2 daughters and the father's senile & volatile mother.  Brigid lives in the unsettled aptmt where everyone has gathered to celebrate.  Richard, Brigid's boyfriend is 38 & working towards a social worker's license.  He explains he was waylaid for years by depression.  The overall feel of the production is depressive.  The groundfloor of the duplex has a spiral staircase leading to a spacious lower level with the main living area.  The entry level has bars on its sole window.  The early holiday cheer dissipates quickly as we learn of the troubles that befall everyone.  The chatter turns caustic, the grandmother is either unconscious or ranting and bitterness and disappointments are the dishes being served.  The 1 act play is relentless in hellish references.  Dysfunctional family comedy/dramas tend to be grating.  THE HUMANS is especially irritating.  The anger, angst and deception are substellular compared to Tracy Letts' Pulitz Prize play O'SAGE COUNTY('13.)  The father shares his nightmarish dreams and Richard tells of his bizarre, indecipherable dreams.  Watching the playwright's Stephen Karam THE HUMANS was purgatory.