The Playhouse Theatre Company

Trying
by Joanna McClelland Glass

Date 9 - 30 April 2005 Venue Vancouver Playhouse

Reviewer Jane Penistan


 

 

Director Brian Richmond Set Pam Johnson Costume Karen Matthews Projection Tim Matheson Sound John Mills -Cockell Lighting Adrian Muir Stage Manager Jan Hodgson

 


Thea Gill

This scintillating production presents the ageing Judge Francis Biddle writing his autobiography. His secretary is the newly engaged young Canadian, Sarah. Not only is he dictating his autobiography but he also expects Sarah to type his letters, answer the telephone, and order his disordered papers despite his repeated interruptions.

Set in his ways and autocratic, Biddle is impatient, acerbic, and volatile He does not suffer fools. Sarah is intelligent, perceptive, and willing. Additionally, she is patient and polite. Alan Scarfe and Thea Gill brilliantly sustain over two hours of two acts of lively, historical theatre, spanning the life of one of America's leading international legal figures.

Set in a converted loft, the comfortable office of the judge is spacious and functional, if somewhat inconvenient and outdated. A large window in the back wall of the loft shows pleasant rural surroundings but is also the screen for a series of film clips. These depict historical incidents in the long life of Judge Biddle.

 

 

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The films are used for bridging scenes with great skill and taste, never overly long and always interesting. For many of the older members of the audience these recall outstanding events in the United States. The lighting at all times is appropriate, and the flickeringly lit blackouts brief, so that the flow of the play is never interrupted.

Sarah's different costumes are in the contemporary fashion of the 1960s, always stylish and never flamboyant. John Mills-Cockell's music is unobtrusive but pleasing and atmospheric.

There is a great understanding between the two characters, whose humanity and wisdom are developed through the scenes. The dialogue is full of humour and quick wit. The timing, well paced clear speech of both actors and their complete empathy make this performance an outstanding evening of theatre. This is a wonderful show to close the season.

© 2005 Jane Penistan

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