The Gabriels Tickets

The Gabriels are a trilogy of plays that explore contemporary American life and politics by looking at a family in upstate New York. Written by Tony-winning playwright Richard Nelson, these plays have been praised for their authenticity and insight into the struggles of everyday people.

The first play in the trilogy, "Hungry," premiered in 2016 and was set on the eve of the presidential election. It followed the Gabriel family as they prepared a meal for a friend who had recently died. As they cooked and reminisced about their lives and the state of the country, they revealed their fears and hopes for the future.

The second play, "What Did You Expect?", took place later that same year and examined how the election results impacted the family. They struggled with issues like healthcare, aging, and financial insecurity while also grappling with the widening political divide in the country.

The third play, "Women of a Certain Age," focused on the family matriarch, Mary, who is dealing with her own health issues while trying to keep the family together. As she reflects on her life and relationships, she comes to accept her mortality and the uncertain future that awaits her loved ones.

One of the most notable aspects of The Gabriels is its unique format. The plays take place in real time, with each act representing a different hour of the day. There are no big dramatic moments or set changes – instead, the action unfolds slowly and realistically, much like life itself.

In an interview with The Guardian, Nelson explained his approach: "I wanted [the audience] to be there in the room with the characters, for them to share the meals and conversations, to be a part of it all."

This immersive approach has resonated with audiences and critics alike. The Gabriels have been praised for their realism and honesty, and for capturing the mood of the country during a tumultuous time.

Beyond this, The Gabriels represent an important contribution to contemporary theater. Nelson has crafted a work that is both deeply political and profoundly personal, exploring the ways in which politics and culture intersect with our everyday lives.

As The New Yorker wrote in its review of "What Did You Expect?", "It's a play that takes politics seriously because it understands that politics isn't something abstract or distant – it's woven into the fabric of daily life."

Ultimately, The Gabriels represent a powerful example of how theater can be used to illuminate our shared human experience. By focusing on the struggles of one family, they reveal larger truths about the world we live in and the challenges we all face.