Watch The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One FamilyPlay 1: Hungry

The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One Family is a series of three plays by American playwright Richard Nelson. The first play, Hungry, was released as a movie in 2017 and stars Meg Gibson, Lynn Hawley, and Roberta Maxwell. Hungry is set in 2016, during the U.S. presidential election. The play revolves around the Gabriel family, who live in Rhinebeck, New York. The Gabriels are a middle-class family who have been struggling to make ends meet since the recession. The play opens with the family preparing for a dinner party to celebrate the birthday of the family matriarch, Patricia (played by Roberta Maxwell).

As the family cooks and prepares, they discuss their financial struggles and their hopes for the future. Patricia, a retired school teacher, worries about her healthcare costs and her ability to pay her bills. Her son George (played by Jay O. Sanders) is a playwright who is frustrated by the lack of interest in his latest play. George's wife, Hannah (played by Lynn Hawley), works as a home care nurse and is concerned about the impact of the election on healthcare policy.

Throughout the play, the family discusses their feelings about the 2016 election. They express their frustration with the political process and their disappointment in both major candidates. The play also touches on issues such as income inequality, healthcare, and the role of the arts in society.

Despite the seriousness of the topics discussed, Hungry is a witty and charming play that offers insight into the lives of ordinary Americans. The dialogue is naturalistic and the performances are understated, giving the play a sense of intimacy and authenticity.

One unique aspect of The Gabriels is its use of real-time staging. The play is set in real time, with the action unfolding over the course of 100 minutes. This format creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, making the audience feel as though they are eavesdropping on a real conversation.

Overall, Hungry is a thought-provoking play that offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Americans during a pivotal moment in U.S. history. The play's themes are universal and its characters are relatable, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in politics, family dynamics, or American life.