Danny Brown’s two-hander opens with an orgasm and closes with a cathartic cleansing. Between these bold bookends lies 90 minutes of small talk—covering everything from sex and relationships to the kitchen sink. Adam (Ephraim Birney) hosts David (Joel Meyers) in his Upper West Side studio for what he hopes will be a quick, no-strings-attached encounter. Not even a one-night stand—just sex and goodbye. But there’s a hitch: a snowstorm. With no car services available, David stays put, forcing them into an extended conversation neither of them expected.
Joel Meyers and Ephraim Birney
Ironically, despite Adam’s aversion to small talk, that’s exactly what dominates the play. More of a debate than a narrative-driven drama, As Time Goes By lays out a laundry list of topics rarely discussed so openly on stage: Grindr, bottoming, fasting, douching, dairy, porn vs. real sex, PrEP, monogamy, dating POZ, therapy, the male G-spot, moving to New York, vinyl records, the Rat Pack, and even the plot of Casablanca. While some of these discussions are sharp, funny, and insightful, an accumulation of small talk doesn’t necessarily make for compelling theater. However, in the final moments, the conversation turns personal. They begin to share about their exes, and when accusations surface, Adam is forced to confront his own emotional shortcomings. Ultimately, he makes an admirable choice—to break old habits and risk vulnerability.
Ephraim Birney and Joel Meyers
Ephraim Birney’s Adam is not the easiest protagonist to warm up to. He’s prickly, jaded, and borderline obsessive-compulsive. While much of this is baked into the script, a less forceful approach in performance might have softened his harshness and made his emotional arc more affecting. Joel Meyers’ David embodies the wide-eyed enthusiasm of a fresh-faced 24-year-old chasing dreams in the big city. Yet beneath his youthful optimism, he harbors his own fears and heartbreak. The contrast between their personalities is striking, and in their strongest moments, their opposing worldviews collide in ways that feel both authentic and poignant.
Joel Meyers and Ephraim Birney
Director Noah Eisenberg does little to smooth over the script’s weaknesses. His staging choices, including prolonged moments where the actors sit on the floor—often lower than the front-row audience—make the play feel visually stagnant. And even though the two characters have just had intercourse, they are unrealistically shy in front of each other while dressing. No nudity here.
Joel Meyers and Ephraim Birney
The production values are impressive for an Off-Broadway production. Baron E. Pugh’s realistic studio apartment set, detailed with well-chosen props by Rose Goodman, lends credibility to the world. Eric Norbury’s lighting and Jess Gersz’s costumes match the high standards of the set, elevating the overall aesthetic.
Ephraim Birney and Joel Meyers
Co-produced by Out of the Box Theatrics and Ice Berg Productions, As Time Goes By aligns with both companies’ missions: amplifying marginalized voices and exploring the complexities of human connection, particularly within LGBTQ+ narratives. But with so many deserving works out there, one has to wonder—was this really the top choice for production?
photos by Chris Ruetten Photography
As Time Goes By
Out of the Box Theatrics
in association with Ice Berg Productions
Theatre 154, 154 Christopher Street
90 minutes, no intermission
Wed-Mon at 7; Sun at 2
ends on March 23, 2024
for tickets, visit OOTB Theatrics
