OFF BY ONE at People’s Light. L to R = Mary Elizabeth Scallen, David Strathairn, Aubie Merylees and Claire Inie-Richards. Photo by Mark Garvin
By Ellen Wilson Dilks
Malvern’s People’s Light marches toward its 50th Season with a World Premiere of Emmy-winning Joseph Dougherty’s play OFF BY ONE. Playing on the company’s intimate Steinbright Stage, the production features David Strathairn returning for his fourth collaboration with Abigail Adams. Performances are Tuesdays thru Sundays now until July 7th. Call the Box Office or check the theatre’s website for times and availability.
There is something exciting about seeing a brand new play—you have no preconceived notions of what it should be based on other productions. You are venturing into a brave new world. And it is brave for theatre companies to produce new works. They’re gambling on their audiences trusting them that what they’ll see will be worth their time and money. They’re gambling on their artistic integrity too.
Dougherty’s story at first seems simple, but depths of human nature and interaction are revealed during the course of the 100-minute running time. The title comes from an error made by the middle-aged Myra when sending a bereavement text—she mis-enters one digit of the phone number. The young lady (Fran) who receives it decides to respond and inform her of her error—much to the consternation of her boyfriend (Matthew). The deceased in question is an out-of-print poet named Douglas Roote.
OFF BY ONE at People’s Light. L to R = David Strathairn and Mary Elizabeth Scallen. Photo by Mark Garvin.
As usual, the technical work is top-notch. From Daniel Zimmerman’s set that depicts Myra and Fran’s living rooms downstage and the studio of Douglas’ Long Island home upstage. To Dennis Parichy’s excellent lighting and an, at times, haunting soundscape by Carsen Joenk. And Marla J. Jurglanis’ well thought out costumes. All support the story to the highest degree.
Director Abigail Adams has a strong affinity for plays of this nature; you can see her hand in gently guiding the actors as they find each moment. As they find the truth. Adams is not afraid of silences, of giving the play moments to breathe so viewers can fully digest the story as it unfolds.
The four actors are superb—each has created a 3-dimensional, fully realized person with strengths and weaknesses. Mary Elizabeth Scallen’s Myra is a delight. Both witty, upbeat and incisive, but with a core of inner strength, Scallen relishes every word, finding tons of nuance in her character. Aubie Merrylees brings just the right touches of youthful love for Fran, as well as a ton of angst. Yet he’s not afraid to show the character’s vulnerability. Matthew clearly has issues, and Merrylees jumps into them wholeheartedly. As Fran, Claire Inie-Richards does a great job of portraying the character’s compassion and her determination. Fran seems to be a very independent young woman, and Inie-Richards explores that to the fullest. David Strathairn has the most complicated role as Douglas. Other than one divinely played scene with Ms. Scallen, his character either talks directly to the audience—or to himself at times…
Douglas has an acerbic wit that is often directed inwardly. He is a man coming to grips with the gradual ebbing of the ability to do certain tasks in life that age forces on us all. And he doesn’t like it. Strathairn unrolls a man who is angry and scared as aging plays its cruel tricks. It is a nicely subtle and calibrated performance.
Dougherty’s play deals with both the randomness of life—if Myra hadn’t texted the wrong number, she would not have met Fran and introduced her to Douglas’ poetry. If Fran had not pursued the connection with Myra, Matthew and she might not have hit a huge road block in their relationship. If Myra had not served as a summer intern for Douglas, she might not have become the woman she is now. OFF BY ONE also tackles that inevitable and frightening thing known as old age. I found myself fully relating to the character as I have had so many health challenges over the past two years. I too am having a hard time accepting there are certain things that may no longer be possible for me. It is not a fun realization. We don’t want to give up our autonomy. Our independence.
OFF BY ONE at People’s Light. L to R = Aubie Merylees and Claire Inie-Richards. Photo by Mark Garvin
OFF BY ONE is a sensitive yet funny look at that process of letting go, of accepting change (which happens no matter what your age). Mr. Dougherty writes sharp, intelligent dialogue. No wonder he’s won an Emmy. I can highly recommend you check out this new piece in the American canon of plays.
WHEN YOU GO: OFF BY ONE is performing on the Steinbright Stage at People’s Light—39 Conestoga Road (Route 401), Malvern, PA 19355. Performances are Tuesdays thru Sundays now until July 7th, 2024. This production is recommended for ages 14+ due to certain subject matter. It has a running time of approximately 100 minutes—with NO INTERMISSION.
Special Events: At 1pm on Sunday, June 23rd, “Scoop” will feature long-time company member Tom Teti performing pieces focused on death, memory, and growing old. Following the performance, share a drink or snack with Tom and discuss your thoughts and questions about the piece, theater, and Tom’s life. (This is a free event, but a reservation is needed.) Afterwards, join us at 2pm for OFF BY ONE. Post-show talkbacks will be held on June 27th and July 3rd.
The Relaxed Performance & Post-Show Panel will be on Sunday, June 30th at 2pm. This performance will also feature Audio Description and American Sign Language Interpretation. Open Captioning will be from July 2nd to the 7th. On Monday, June 24th at 5:30, there will be a “Poetry Happy Hour” on the Steinbright stage. Drinks, and lively conversation. The poems and discussions will focus on remembrance through others, art living on through future generations, and legacy, all intersecting with the themes of this production. Hosted and facilitated by Philadelphia-based artist and cultural worker Anjoli Santiago, with readings by local poets. Your ticket includes one free drink of your choice from concessions! Call the Box Office to reserve your seat.
People’s Light is fully handicapped accessible. There is plenty of free, off-street parking and the Farmhouse Bistro serves dinners prior to curtain. For additional information and background on OFF BY ONE, patrons can call the Box Office at 610-644-3500, or visit the company’s website at www.peopleslight.org
COVID PROTOCOLS: Masks ARE NOT REQUIRED AT THIS TIME. The CDC may change its protocols, so go prepared.