‘Trying’ by Joanna McClelland Glass, directed by Jim Jack at George Street Playhouse. Shown are Carly Zien and Philip Goodwin. Photo Credit: T Charles Erickson© T Charles Erickson Photographytcepix@comcast.net
In the midst of all the nor’easters hitting New Jersey, George Street Playhouse continues to offer theater goers a reason to get out of the house! Their latest offering, Trying, is a tender and touching portrayal of two people dealing with each other in the midst of critical points in their lives. This drama by Playwright Joanna McClelland Glass was first presented by the Joshua Stephen Kartes Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago in 2004. It won the prestigious Jefferson Award for Best New Play. It then moved to the Promenade Theatre In New York City for the fall/winter of 2004 – 2005.
Jim Jacks directs Trying which is based on the real life experiences the Playwright had when she was secretary to Judge Francis Biddle. Judge Biddle graduated from Harvard Law School. In addition to his work in the field of law, he served as U.S. Attorney General from 1941 – 1945. He is widely known for serving as Chief Judge of the Nuremberg trials and his opposition to Japanese internment camps during World War II. He also authored a number of books.
With such an illustrious career, Judge Biddle was in demand to provide writings and information to the publishing community. This play focuses on the final year of his life with him still trying to work but hampered by health and memory issues. When Sarah comes for her first day of work, she learns that many secretaries have come and gone before her, some even going into the bathroom to cry. Her determination to make the job work out is evident from the start. But the problem becomes convincing Judge Biddle of that. Sarah comes from an entirely different world than that of her employer. She grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. Midway through the play, she finds that she is pregnant but uncertain about how well her marriage is going.
The beauty of this play lies in watching the relationship as it unfolds and develops. Seeing two people from very different backgrounds and with a wide gap in their ages provides many potential hazards to the eventual conclusion. The fact that the relationship does work out is a testament to both of them and the unique qualities that they discover about each other. There is also a learning process that they take on this journey of discovery that is at times bumpy, but other times absolutely heartwarming.
Philip Goodwin plays Judge Francis Biddle and Carly Zien plays Sarah. Goodwin moves around the stage as an older man whose strength and stamina are leaving him in a most believable manner. His delivery of his lines is sharp when needed but very understanding of his young worker at times making his character a good study of an older man still willing to give to society but hampered by his failing health. Zien gives good life to her character. Her movements are smooth and well designed to show the strength of a youthful body. Her ability to ask her employer the right questions in order to draw him out are refreshing to watch and Ms. Zien does it with a lightness needed in the situation.
The set is by Set Designer Jason Simms and it provides a lovely area for the play. The furniture shows the orderliness that Judge Biddle expects of his life. But it also has reminders of the way he needs to rest more often which interferes with getting as much done as he would like. That interference allows Sarah to step up and help out. This gives her more confidence in her own abilities and the chance to grow both in her own eyes and those of her mentor, Judge Biddle.
This play is appropriate for people of all ages except perhaps very young children. Anyone who has ever had the responsibility for the care of an older person will easily relate to the story. Likewise, older people who have younger ones in their lives will find a lot to cherish from the story as well.
Additional Information
Running Time: 2 hours which includes one intermission
Location: George Street Playhouse, 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ
Performances: Now through April 8, 2018
Contact for Info and Tickets: Theater website – georgestreetplayhouse.org