The parameter of the room is outlined with lime green walls visible only where old photographs are not hung. In the middle are two oak desks. One is pure chaos as paper struggles for position, while the other is neat and orderly.
An overwhelming smell of wet mothballs engulfs the audience as they file into the theater while '70s pop hits play over the loudspeakers.
Studio Arena's latest play, the delightful "Trying" written by Joanna McClelland Glass, opened last week and is running through Nov. 13.
The play is based on Glass' experience as Judge Francis Biddle's secretary in 1967. Francis Biddle was the American Judge of the International Military Tribunal at the Nuremburg Trials.
The fact that the play is based on the writer's experience adds warmth and pleasure to the drama as it unfolds on stage.
The play starts as Sarah (Zandy Hartig of Comedy Central's "STELLA") and Judge Biddle (Jordan Charney of "Law and Order") meet for the first time. From that first moment until the end of the play, the audience watches two incredibly talented actors duke it out.
Studying these actors deliver their lines is like watching two prize fighters giving it their all in the ring. The audience cannot get enough of both performances-and the acting duo knows it. Their chemistry is nothing short of masterful.
As a two-person show, the audience connects with each of the characters quickly. However, that is not the only reason for the connection. Biddle is in his early eighties and Sarah is in her mid twenties, leading to a generational clash.
If there is a negative aspect about this play, it's that the younger viewers might get lost with cultural jokes that are made during the first act.
The three scenes that make up the first act take place on three different days. These serve as a symbol of the three different stages of their relationship.
The first day the rules are laid down. Sarah is fearful of her new job and boss, but takes in every word with respect. The next day she still has these feelings but goes on with her job, until she finally realizes that the reasoning behind his stern character is a person depressed over the degradation of his once brilliant mind. Biddle repeatedly states that the only person he respects is one who "has a spine."
One can sense the strain on her spirit, and feel the tremendous relief when she wins a little respect from Biddle. Ms. Hartig's performance as Sarah shows a women in the process of maturing.
Nostalgic radio recordings of speeches by President Roosevelt, news reels and even a classical music piece are heard as the crew reassembles the stage for the next scene.
These tracks add to the sorrow of seeing a man who once was respected and loved internationally for his wisdom and character that's gradually losing his mind and his ability to live.
The emotion one gets from watching McClelland's performance, as a man struggling with basic everyday chores, is unforgettable. It almost drives a person who is watching to get up and hug him.
