STCC College Theatre Workshop to stage Off-Broadway hit ‘Lunch Bunch’

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College Theatre Workshop will present “Lunch Bunch,” an Off-Broadway hit by Adrian Espanier, on April 30 at 11 a.m., and May 1 and May 2 at 7 p.m. Admission is free, with donations accepted.

The 60-minute play, performed in the theater in Scibelli Hall (Building 2), follows seven Brooklyn public defenders searching for meaning in their lives through a weekly gourmet vegetarian lunch-sharing ritual that becomes both competitive and revealing.

Director Phil O’Donoghue, a recently retired faculty member who returned to direct the production, selected the play to challenge student performers with its unconventional structure and demanding dialogue.

“It’s a short, concise, but completely loaded play, where the dialogue is incredibly hard to do, because it’s based on rhythms, pauses and interruptions,” O’Donoghue said. “But if you do it right, it sounds incredible. I really want to challenge our students, and this is really challenging dialogue – and the students rise to the challenge.”

Unlike traditional narratives, “Lunch Bunch” leans into ambiguity, blending humor with deeper existential questions. O’Donoghue said the themes resonate strongly with modern audiences.

“The themes today that are most relevant are despair, looking for a purpose and trying to find the little things in life that give us joy,” he said. “It’s about people trying to say, ‘What I do matters,’ and creating order in chaotic lives.”

The play has earned praise from critics, with The New York Times calling it “idiosyncratic, non-realistic, gently experimental…but also charming and smart and kindly,” while Time Out Worldwide described it as “at once a cry for help and a joyful, fizzy comedy of manners.”

Mary Lou Vredenburg, Dean of Liberal and Professional Studies, said the production highlights the creativity and dedication of STCC’s students and faculty.

“Our theater program gives students the opportunity to take creative risks and grow as performers,” Vredenburg said. “Productions like ‘Lunch Bunch’ showcase not only their talent, but also their willingness to engage with challenging, thought-provoking material that resonates with today’s audiences.”

It’s a great cast, and it’s a great story. It’s really just a good time. Ria Surreira, College Theatre Workshop actor

For the College Theatre Workshop actors, the production offers both a creative challenge and an opportunity for growth.

Ria Surreira, a recent STCC graduate, plays Nicole, a character she describes as “the black sheep of the cast” who struggles to fit in.

“She’s always on the outside of whatever’s going on, and she’s kind of hated by most of the characters,” Surreira said. “But she’s always trying to be included.”

Surreira said working with O’Donoghue has pushed her to improve as a performer.

“He’s really good at what he does and kind of pushing us to do better with our roles,” she said. “He makes me better at acting.”

She added that audiences can expect an engaging and entertaining experience.

“It’s a great cast, and it’s a great story. It’s really just a good time,” Surreira said. “It’s not a downer play. I think everyone can relate to just the chaos of it.”

STCC student Anthony Lopez, who plays Greg, described his character as both logical and eccentric.

“He’s very straight to the point, logical, while also being a complete bundle of weirdness,” Lopez said. “He’s a ridiculous character, to say the least.”

Lopez said he connects with the play’s underlying message.

“They’re trying to do something good, something that matters, and I personally resonate with that – doing things that are important,” he said.

Recent graduate Evan Whatley, who plays David, said his character brings an exaggerated and dramatic energy to the stage.

“Some of the things he’s saying may or may not have actually happened,” Whatley said. “A lot of it is very over the top.”

Whatley, performing in his fifth STCC production, said the experience continues to be meaningful.

“I love it here. It’s like a second home,” he said. “It’s a very accepting, great place to be.”

O’Donoghue hopes audiences leave the theater intrigued and reflective.

“I hope they go, ‘What was it that I just saw?’” he said. “And then three days later, they’re still thinking about it. This is the kind of play that stays with you.”

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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