PCPA ‘Trying’ to bridge generation gap in new play

Sometimes the best that we can do in life is to try. This sentiment is captured with wit and potency in PCPA-Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s production of “Trying,” playing at the Severson Theatre in Santa Maria.

Written by Joanna McCelland Glass, “Trying” is based on the Canadian-born playwright’s personal experience working for judge Francis Biddle, who served as U.S. attorney general under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and as chief judge of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg. The two-character play premiered at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theater in 2004 before opening off-Broadway.

Rotating with “Trying” at the Severson Theatre is another thought-provoking drama, “Gidion’s Knot” by Johnna Adams. The play centers on a highly charged parent-teacher conference that develops into a confrontation on bullying, parenting, art education and censorship.

“Trying” explores the relationship between the cranky elderly judge (Peter S. Hadres), as he’s known, and his young, straight-talking Canadian secretary, Sarah Schorr (Karin Hendricks).

The year is 1967. At age 81, the judge is in poor health but still works part-time in his small home office in Washington, D.C.

Sarah has been hired by the judge’s wife, Mrs. Biddle, as his personal secretary.

Sarah is aware of a long line of secretaries who have resigned over the judge’s cantankerous and abusive ways. Her role is to help organize his business and professional matters during his final years.

Both characters are facing life challenges from different viewpoints. The judge is frustrated with the impact of aging and seeks closure with his past. Sarah struggles with a sour marriage and sees her dreams of being a writer fading.

Their diverse backgrounds — he is a Philadelphia aristocrat and she originates from the prairie province of Saskatchewan — create tension between them about the value of education, social class and pedigree. Each tries to understand the other and through the process both learn powerful lessons about respect, friendship and compassion.

Director Kitty Balay uses the Severson Theatre’s theater-in-the-round setup to its utmost advantage. Her efforts create an intimate portrait of two characters from different generations coming to terms with life’s struggles.

Hadres and Hendricks are superb together as two opposites needing to attract. Their performances are seamless; both portray their characters with boldness, sensitivity and a touch of kindness.

Hadres in particular does an excellent job, with subtle mannerisms to accentuate the aging process.

The set design by Charles Murdock Lucas features a homey office with wooden desks, metal cabinets and a lounge chair where the Judge naps. Wooden floors and Oriental rugs bring warmth into the small space.

Costume designer Robin Newell adds to the conservative mood of the play with drab suits for Judge Biddle and lackluster dresses for Sarah.

Other creative team members include lighting designer Tim Thistleton, sound designer Graham Howatt, dialect coach Matt Koenig and stage manager Aleah Van Woert.

“Trying” is a compelling testament to the power of human connection which will resonate with the young and old.

This story was originally published September 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM with the headline "PCPA ‘Trying’ to bridge generation gap in new play."