A letter is a blessing, a great and all-too-rare privilege that can turn a private moment into an exalted experience.
– Alexandra Stoddard
The holidays have faded into memory, and the bitter chill of winter days have settled in. But fear not — when the frost bites, the theatre offers warmth, and somewhere out there, a play is ready to reignite that holiday yule-log glow. One such gem is Pen Pals, Michael Griffo’s touching two-character drama, inspired by a real-life correspondence. Currently playing at Theatre at St. Clement’s, this play offers a heartwarming reminder that the written word can bridge continents and decades.
Sharon Lawrence
The premise is simple yet profoundly engaging: In 1955, Bernadette (aka Bernie), a spirited 14-year-old from New Jersey, and Margaret (aka Mags), a reserved English girl, are paired through a Pen Pal program organized by their schools. Over the next fifty years, through their letters, they forge an extraordinary emotional connection that transcends the limits of time and space. To say more would spoil the delicate unraveling of their story – a journey best experienced firsthand.
Catherine Curtin
The production features a rotating cast, and I had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable Catherine Curtin as Bernie and the equally captivating Sharon Lawrence as Mags. Curtin dives headfirst into the more difficult and impassioned role of Bernie, while Lawrence exudes quiet strength as Mags. Together, they navigate a challenging setup – portraying a lifetime of experiences while seated and reading letters – effortlessly holding the audience in rapt attention for 80 spellbinding minutes.
Catherine Curtin and Sharon Lawrence
If this format brings to mind A. R. Gurney’s Love Letters, you’re not wrong. Like Gurney’s Pulitzer-nominated masterpiece, Pen Pals relies on minimalist staging and the power of letters to reveal a rich tapestry of life and connection. Curtin and Lawrence, two truly gifted actresses, immediately strike a captivating contrast: Bernie, the exuberant Jersey girl bursting with life, and Mags, the composed and thoughtful Brit. Their chemistry is electric, their short monologue missives brimming with humor, tenderness, and raw honesty.
Sharon Lawrence
The girls share almost every aspect of their lives, trivial, intimate, problematic, and painful, they tell each other things they wouldn’t dare tell another soul. The letters they exchange become a lifeline, a mirror, and a sanctuary. They share secrets too fragile to utter aloud, navigate life’s upheavals, and wrestle with the inevitable changes that come with age and circumstance. With slowly changing voice tonalities and movements, they evolve – from giddy teenagers to very different seasoned women – becoming confidantes, advisors, and, ultimately, almost sisters. Despite the physical distance between them, writing allows for self-reflection and greater emotional clarity, even as differences create friction. Their bond is tested but never broken, making their journey a deeply resonant one.
Under Suzanne Barabas’s direction, the production embraces simplicity, allowing the performances to take center stage. Jessica Parks’ understated scenic design, Jill Nagle’s evocative lighting, David C. Woolard’s costumes, and Nicholas Simone’s subtle soundscape provide a graceful backdrop for the actors to shine. They elevate the straightforward text and static setup with nuanced performances, gradually shifting their tones and movements to embody their transformation. While the play is charming overall, it’s their performances that make it unforgettable and worth seeing.
photos by Russ Rowland
Pen Pals
Theatre at St. Clement’s, 423 West 46 St
Catherine Curtin and Sharon Lawrence ends December 29
Nia Vardalos & Gail Winar: Jan 2 – Jan 12, 2025
Ellen McLaughlin & Mary Beth Peil: Jan 20-26
Pauletta Washington & Kate Burton: Jan 29-Feb 2
Nancy McKeon and Johanna Day: Feb 5-9
ends on February 9, 2025
for tickets ($35-$125, with fees), visit Pen Pal Play
