The Grand Theatre succeeds again with Trying
The posters and playbills for the Grand Theatre's season opener, Trying feature a torn autumn maple leaf superimposed with the following quote from Carl Jung; “In the second half of life, the necessity is imposed of recognizing no longer the validity of our former ideals but of their contraries. Of perceiving the error in what was previously our conviction, of sensing the untruth in what was our truth, and of weighing the degree of opposition, and even of hostility, in what we took to be love.” At first glance, the simplistic advertisements seem to portray no information as to what the play is about. However, Jung's words written upon this familiar Canadian icon are, in actuality, a brilliant visual metaphor for Joanna McClelland Glass' thoroughly entertaining work of a somewhat twisted coming-of-age-tale.
Set in the late 1960's, Trying follows the relationship between a former American Attorney General, Francis Biddle, played superbly by Robert Benson, and his young Canadian secretary, Sarah “with-an-H” Schorr, played by Anne Ross, as they play a game of generational give-and-take on matters ranging from grammar to gas heaters, from politics to Dictaphones. The hilarious juxtaposition of Sarah's obviously modern ways and Biddle's unwavering classical ideals sets the stage for the unexpected impact they would eventually have on one another's lives. Biddle, being a dying man bent on ridding the world of its logical and grammatical fallacies before he dies, is reminded by Sarah, through her sometimes brooding but altogether Canadian charm, of the infractions he has committed against himself in the name of old age. Though still correcting others' grammar to the bitter end, through a promise to try harder, Biddle slowly returns to his old democratic self and forms a profound bond with Sarah which eases the loneliness faced by both characters.
Robert Benson's portrayal of the difficult and sour-tempered Judge facing imminent death was nothing short of brilliant. The sharp delivery of his politically comedic lines coupled with his dazzling physical interpretation of a man close to death proves Benson a theatrical master. In comparison, Anne Ross's performance seemed jarring and unrefined. However, these qualities, along with her faultless prairie-twang were exacting for the role of the self-proclaimed “bugger for work” Sarah Schorr. The chemistry and flawless sense of timing between Benson and Ross were phenomenal and a true testament to both their acting abilities and to the skill of director, Susan Ferley.
In fact, all elements of the play proved themselves nearly faultless. The set and costumes, both designed by John Dinning, were simple and appropriate, the perfect, un-distracting backdrop for Glass's witty, dialogue-rich script. Likewise, the scene changes and lighting were fittingly understated yet effective, succeeding in not taking any attention away from the fast-paced and engrossing story unfolding on stage. The only failing was the perhaps comparatively weak second act which was somewhat lacking in the depth and interest of the first act.
Through superb historical detail, grammatical wit, biting political commentary and the obvious talent behind all of the Grand Theatre's productions, Trying proves itself an absolute must see for this season. Through bouts of uncontrolled laughter, those who attend will be treated to a poignant tale of cross-generational growth, friendship and acceptance as a simple Canadian girl effects great change and self-discovery in a lonely, dying man.
Trying will be presented at the Grand theatre until November 5. Tickets are available at the Grand Theatre box office.
Set in the late 1960's, Trying follows the relationship between a former American Attorney General, Francis Biddle, played superbly by Robert Benson, and his young Canadian secretary, Sarah “with-an-H” Schorr, played by Anne Ross, as they play a game of generational give-and-take on matters ranging from grammar to gas heaters, from politics to Dictaphones. The hilarious juxtaposition of Sarah's obviously modern ways and Biddle's unwavering classical ideals sets the stage for the unexpected impact they would eventually have on one another's lives. Biddle, being a dying man bent on ridding the world of its logical and grammatical fallacies before he dies, is reminded by Sarah, through her sometimes brooding but altogether Canadian charm, of the infractions he has committed against himself in the name of old age. Though still correcting others' grammar to the bitter end, through a promise to try harder, Biddle slowly returns to his old democratic self and forms a profound bond with Sarah which eases the loneliness faced by both characters.
Robert Benson's portrayal of the difficult and sour-tempered Judge facing imminent death was nothing short of brilliant. The sharp delivery of his politically comedic lines coupled with his dazzling physical interpretation of a man close to death proves Benson a theatrical master. In comparison, Anne Ross's performance seemed jarring and unrefined. However, these qualities, along with her faultless prairie-twang were exacting for the role of the self-proclaimed “bugger for work” Sarah Schorr. The chemistry and flawless sense of timing between Benson and Ross were phenomenal and a true testament to both their acting abilities and to the skill of director, Susan Ferley.
In fact, all elements of the play proved themselves nearly faultless. The set and costumes, both designed by John Dinning, were simple and appropriate, the perfect, un-distracting backdrop for Glass's witty, dialogue-rich script. Likewise, the scene changes and lighting were fittingly understated yet effective, succeeding in not taking any attention away from the fast-paced and engrossing story unfolding on stage. The only failing was the perhaps comparatively weak second act which was somewhat lacking in the depth and interest of the first act.
Through superb historical detail, grammatical wit, biting political commentary and the obvious talent behind all of the Grand Theatre's productions, Trying proves itself an absolute must see for this season. Through bouts of uncontrolled laughter, those who attend will be treated to a poignant tale of cross-generational growth, friendship and acceptance as a simple Canadian girl effects great change and self-discovery in a lonely, dying man.
Trying will be presented at the Grand theatre until November 5. Tickets are available at the Grand Theatre box office.
