Production provides lesson in sticking up for what's right
Sarah Bell and Scotty MacLaren in “Trying” (Photo courtesy of Whitefish Theatre Co.)
The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its second Black Curtain Theatre production of the 2018-2019 season with the award-winning play “Trying” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
This beautifully written and touching play has performances on Nov. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.
How do you measure justice? How do you weigh a life? How do you define a friendship? “Trying,” by Joanna McClelland Glass, is inspired by her own-life experience as personal secretary to the brilliant and irascible Judge Francis Biddle, U.S. Attorney General during WWII and Chief Justice for the Nuremberg Trials. Biddle, at age 81, is arrogant, rigid, and painfully aware of his failing health and fears he may not be able to complete his autobiography in time to tell his side of history. Enter Sara Schorr, an inexperienced but fearless 25-year old writer hired by Biddle’s wife to help put his affairs in order. While at first she seems to be no match for this scion of American aristocracy, her persistent head-butting leads these unlikely partners to discover each other’s fears, regrets, hopes and humor. This “exquisitely literate, moving, and compelling” story illustrates how two strangers, at two dramatically different places in their lives, can unexpectedly and forever save each other.
“‘Trying’ is a love song to civil rights, framed within the working relationship between two very different people,” says Director Nick Spear. “In many ways, it’s a lesson in patience, tolerance, and sticking up for what’s right.”
Cast members include Scotty MacLaren as Judge Francis Biddle and Sarah Bell as Sara Schorr.
“I think another profound theme of the play is that as these two characters learn about each other, they also learn they are less alone in the world,” Spear says. “This is a really touching part of the play with a timeless message that I think will resonate with many in the audience.”
Viewers are reminded that as a Black Curtain production, there will minimal staging, no set or props, and actors will be reading from a script. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students with general seating. Tickets can be purchased at the WTC Box Office, online at whitefishtheatreco.org or at the door on the evenings of each show. The Box Office, located at 1 Central Ave. in Whitefish, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4pm and at 6:30 p.m. on the night of each show. For more information, call 862-5371. This show is sponsored by Soroptomist International of Whitefish.