• Theatre

    Trying

    Trying Image gallery

    TheatreWorks

    March 7-April 7, 2007

    Avg. Event Rating (5.0 Stars): 5 out of 5 stars rating Add Review/Comment

    Nationally-acclaimed actor Ken Ruta stars in the role of a lifetime: the honorable Francis Biddle, FDR's former attorney general--a blue-blood American icon in his final years. His secretary is fresh-faced Sarah Schorr, a prairie populist from Saskatchewan hired to help with his memoirs. The boss is cantankerous but charismatic, the assistant vulnerable but full of grit. And then the fun begins. Based on the playwright's own real-life experiences, this tour-de-force is a hopeful and humorous tale of friendship amidst lifes most inevitable adventure: growing old.

    • Ticket Info

      Tickets: $28-$52

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    • Dates & Times

      Dates:
      March 7-April 7, 2007

      Times:
      Tues: 7:30pm
      Wed-Sat: 8pm
      Sun: 2pm

    • Venue Info

      Lucie Stern Community Center

      1305 Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94301

      Full map and directions

    • Parking Info

      Free parking.

    • Accessibility Info
      • Wheelchair Access

    • NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

    • Image Gallery

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    • Member Reviews

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      • Event Name: Trying
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Trying is one great show!"
        Review posted by: Sue Rizzi from San Jose, CA USA, Apr 04, 2007

        Wonderful two person play with lots of heart and amazing acting. Anyone who deals with aging relatives or friends will just love this and relate to it. BRAVO!

        Wonderful two person play with lots of heart and amazing acting. Anyone who deals with aging relatives or friends will just love this and relate to it. BRAVO!

      • Event Name: Trying
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Excellent Production"
        Review posted by: TheaterBuff from Sunnyvale, CA, Mar 31, 2007

        There are only 2 people in the cast, but there is no shortage of drama, humor, and wit. Ken Ruta does a superb job of playing the cantankerous aging former attorney general Biddle. Think Henry Fonda... Expand

        There are only 2 people in the cast, but there is no shortage of drama, humor, and wit. Ken Ruta does a superb job of playing the cantankerous aging former attorney general Biddle. Think Henry Fonda in "On Golden Pond", but more surly. Ken's timing and acting (with a solid supporting role from Amanda) well deserved the standing ovation from the audience. The humorous situations and dialog keep me laughing though much of the performance. A definite must see. Unfortunately, it closes 4/1. Collapse

      • Event Name: Trying
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Outstanding"
        Review posted by: JS from Santa Clara, CA, USA, Mar 23, 2007

        It's hard to believe that two people could entertain you so well for over 2 hours, but this production generates a laugh, a smile, or a wistful reaction every minute or two. Ken does an outstanding... Expand

        It's hard to believe that two people could entertain you so well for over 2 hours, but this production generates a laugh, a smile, or a wistful reaction every minute or two. Ken does an outstanding job of portraying a mix of brilliance, senility, and frustration, and Amanda gets your sympathies as she struggles through her incredibly challenging time with him. We're full-season subscribers who find most Theatreworks productions to be superb -- this one is especially good. Highly recommended. Collapse

      • Event Name: Trying
        5 out of 5 stars rating "A Must See!"
        Review posted by: Caroline from Los Altos, Ca, Mar 15, 2007

        Ken Ruta is not to be missed! What a dynamic duo! Received a well deserved standing ovation at the TH Preview night!

        Ken Ruta is not to be missed! What a dynamic duo! Received a well deserved standing ovation at the TH Preview night!

      • Event Name: Trying
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Don't miss it!"
        Review posted by: Bruce from Cupertino, Mar 14, 2007

        This is one of the best, most well-performed shows to come along in years! All in our party thoroughly enjoyed it! Go!

        This is one of the best, most well-performed shows to come along in years! All in our party thoroughly enjoyed it! Go!

      • Event Name: Trying
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Trying is a triumph"
        Review posted by: Joel from San Jose, CA, Mar 11, 2007

        Two extraordinary performances about an inspiring political figure and a moving relationship. this is a must see from a wonderful author.

        Two extraordinary performances about an inspiring political figure and a moving relationship. this is a must see from a wonderful author.

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