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‘Pen Pals’ Reminds Us of the Power of the Written Word
Texts and emails suffice when reaching out to friends and family, but there is something precious about a handwritten letter. The dying art of putting ink to paper is revived and celebrated in the Off-Broadway play Pen Pals.
Inspired by a true story, Pen Pals, written by Michael Griffo, charts a friendship that begins in 1955 when Bernadette, a wisecracking student from Newark, New Jersey, writes her first letter to English-born Margaret, a peer from Sheffield. The two communicate exclusively through postal mail over the course of 50 years, never meeting one another in person, but sharing personal details of their lives as though they were next-door neighbors. There are hardships, fall-outs, and reconciliations- all of the ingredients that comprise friendships. Although it sometimes seems too cliche or formulaic, there is a genuine sweetness about Pen Pals.
Set designer Jessica Parks has created a simple, but cozy set of two desks from which the letters are read verbatim. Since its premiere in 2024, many actors have sat at the desks, including Brooke Adams, Sharna Burgess, Kate Burton, Kathleen Chalfant, Donna Lynne Champlin, Michelle Clunie, Veanne Cox, Marcia Cross, Catherine Curtin, Paige Davis, Johanna Day, Megan Follows, Melissa Gilbert, Montego Glover, Randy Graff, Marilu Henner, Sharon Lawrence, Beth Leavel, Priscilla Lopez, Maureen McCormick, Nancy McKeon, Ellen McLaughlin, Mary Beth Peil, Pauletta Pearson Washington, Emily Skinner, and Gail Winar. Each actor undoubtedly brings their own spin to Pen Pals, gently directed by SuzAnne Barabas.
Currently, Two-time Tony nominee Carmen Cusack assumes the role of Bernadette while Gina Torres steps into the role of Margaret. Both appear through March 1st. Beginning March 4th , Jodi Benson and Tony nominee Marcia Mitzman Gaven star. Although it has been extended multiple times, the letters will be sealed as Pen Pals closes its post office on March 15th.
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