First impressions, this play has no boundaries when it comes to flaunting American political ideology and Jewish patronage. But it is difficult to comprehend where it is positioned within the context of contemporary societal life in Manhattan in the 1980’s. Is this a drama about exposing family truths and values in the guise of Christmas tradition, rented housing, or world affairs. There are more questions than answers in this adaptation of Richard Greenbergs American stage play, The Assembled Parties.
Set in an opulent rented apartment, West Side New York a proud extended Jewish family settle in to share and celebrate a Christian festival ‘Christmas Lunch. Their son Scotty is home from college and has invited his pal Jeff Sam Marks to join in the celebrations. Jeff’s relationship with his own family is tenuous. He is in awe of his new surroundings and his bond with Scotty is brotherlike than friends.
A debut and convincing performance from Alexander Marks who plays college boy Scotty and elder Tim separates well each character to deliver the full package of drama, wit and charm.
There are great parental expectations that Scotty will become a future US president. His mother Julie a former movie star and a Germanic Jew is played brilliantly by Jennifer Westfeldt. Together with her middle-class family, husband Ben Daniel Abelson, Mort David Kennedy, Faye Tracy-Ann Oberman and their estranged daughter Shelley Julia Kass. It is a day of utilising opportunities to discuss their own life path. It is not without jibes and criticism of personal and professional relationships not only with each other but their bleak outlook on the future of American politics. Julie’s karmic influence soothes to restore reason and balance to proceedings; a familiarity that could resonate within families at Christmas. Julie laments Christmas music and the oppression she feels, her description of Bing Crosby’s singing as a “tiny acoustic rape every time you leave the apartment” drew a gasp from the audience whilst Faye’s “water is garnish” as she swallows a Valium reflecting her view of the world through a lens of fatigue and cynicism. Fast forward to the year 2000 and life has taken on an unexpected turn of events for all the family.
The staging is appropriately set to resemble the change in times and their personal circumstances, a contrast that can be felt as well as seen. Grand designs and a warmth of Christmas on a revolving stage that moved effortlessly from scene to scene was faultless. There is a real ‘New Yorker’ Jewish vibe here in entertainment from Westfeldt and our very own dynamic star Tracy-Ann Oberman, providing an opposing view of resilience and family values. Greenberg’s play has a reference point in terms of timeline and context, within American politics and the potential derailing of the constitution. It references Aids and renting stylish affordable properties. How it translates to UK audiences will differ or at worst will be completely misunderstood. There is a twist in the story which comes with a reveal.
This play does have depth offering audiences a chance to understand the life of a Jewish family living and surviving in upper West Side New York from circa 1980-2000. A momentous time of change influenced by presidential populism and governmental decision making.
Writer Richard Greenberg
Directed by Blanche McIntyre
Designer James Cotterill
Matinee 2.30PM 2hrs 30 minutes with an Interval
Running 17th October – 22nd November 2025
Booking Link https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2025/the-assembled-parties/
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 25th October 2025
North West End UK Rating: