A desperate, but determined hope, takes center stage in Pennsylvania Playhouses engaging and satisfying production of Lanford Wilsons Pulitzer Prize winning romantic comedy "Talley's Folly."
Shaun Hayes and Kelly Herbert James bring an aching humanity to the two flawed and damaged people at the center of the play, deftly directed by Rody Gilkeson.
The production is being presented both live and as video on demand through April 25.
The play is set in a "folly" which is a ramshackle boathouse along the riverbank, intriguingly created, complete with dilapidated slats and wayward vines, by set designer Brett Oliveira.
The play opens with Hayes alone on stage as Matt Friedman, 41-year-old Jewish accountant who has come to the home of Sally Talley unbidden, to convince her that they belong together.
The opening is a tour de force for Hayes Matt who exudes frenetic nervous energy as he breaks the fourth wall wryly telling the audience "They tell me that we have 97 minutes here tonight without intermission." He even invokes stage manager Kristen Wettstein, asking her to adjust a sound effect.
He then sets the scene outlining his intentions to win his reluctant lovers heart, and then humorously repeats himself at breakneck speed for any "latecomers."
When James Sally barges in, everything reverts to naturalism, and the story of these two unlikely lovers begins.
At first it seems the folly is Matts. James Sally is hard-edged and unyielding as she threatens to call for her brother with his shotgun. She tells Matt, who has written her daily for the past year, that his letters made her "dread each new day." It comes out that during a previous surprise visit by Matt to Sallys workplace, she had hidden from him. The 31-year-old seems to have decided to devote herself to her work and remain a spinster. It seems hopeless.
But Matt grasps on tiny hints such as the fact that Sally has shown up in a new pretty summer dress, and slowly, but surely, Sally almost imperceptibly starts to warm up to Matt.
It is the journey between these two people, for whom romance has seemed to pass by, that is fascinating. It becomes apparent to the audience that although these two are from different worlds, deep down, they are soulmates.
Although Hayes Matt can be ingratiating and obnoxious and hides his true self behind jokes, he ultimately exudes a decency and raw honesty as he grasps for what might be his last chance at happiness before it slips through his fingers.
James lets Sally unfold slowly and cautiously until she finally, and cathartically, bares her soul is a searing and emotionally rewarding finale.
Live shows will be 7:30 p.m. April 16-17 and 23-24; and 3 p.m. April 18 and 25 at the playhouse at 390 Illicks Mill Rd., Bethlehem.
Audiences are advised temperatures will be taken at the door, and anyone with a temperature over 100 will be refused admittance. Masks must be worn at all times. Tickets are being sold as general admission and ushers will seat patrons in a socially-distant manner.
Video on demand viewings will be available for 48 hour periods between April 9 and 25.
For tickets go to paplayhouse.org, or call 610-865-6665.
Photo by Stage Door Photography