“Trying”: Another “don’t miss it!” from Island Stage Left

Dan Mayes' portrayal of aging Judge Francis Biddle provides a spot-on counterpoint to Libby Barnard's Sarah in the Island Stage Left production of "Trying."

When Josie & I went to see “Trying” this past weekend, we realized later that, at some level, we had seen the Island Stage Left show from three different angles. The show revolves around 81-year-old Francis Biddle’s slowly evolving relationship with his new secretary, 25-year-old Sarah Schorr from Saskatchewan. The story is based on playwright Joanna McClelland Glass’ time with the American judge & Roosevelt’s attorney general in his last days.

First, there’s the “journey” that the bright young Canadian says she is on, which plays off the increasing evidence that aging Judge Biddle is on the last lap of his. As she starts the job, her sprightly, cheerful attitude takes on a coat of steel, armoring her from the judge’s treatment that sent away previous secretaries, and leaves them as better people together, doing the work they need to do. In doing so, she creates a working relationship with her past, as well as with the judge, and he becomes more functional in his last days, completing last tasks that are important to him. Sarah changes, and so does he, both for the better.

Second, this show is a heck of a display of real, authentic acting. We’ve been watching Dan Mayes for over a decade on the island, and he’s found new ground to break here in his spot-on performance of a nearly 82-year-old for whom (his own words) the exit sign is flashing, and the door is ajar. Newcomer to the island Libby Barnard is relentless in her portrayal of Sarah, and early on you find yourself cheering for her with her challenges with the judge, her past, and her own home life. Dan & Libby deliver the poetry of the play with the precision of wizards who know their spells well. And we were caught in that spell.

Lastly, I found the play to be incredibly evocative, and that’s the thing I keep hearing from people who have seen it. The judge is my grandfather, my father; Sarah is “the way I was, when….”; the 1960s were like that, it’s different (and the same) now…even the technology-poor staging of the office is a gentle reminder of simpler ways to communicate & collect our thoughts. It’s my guess that, no matter how old you are, you’ll find a genuine piece of your past, and your heart, in this show.

Director Helen Machin-Smith has another winner – don’t miss it. Trying plays Thursdays – Sundays till May 1st at the Fairgrounds.

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