Who can collect your story?

by Frank Furnari, New Rep Reviewer

Collected Stories by Donald Margulies explores the relationship between two writers – first as a student and a mentor and later as colleagues and the tensions caused by the relationship. Lisa Morrison, a first-semester grad student rushes to visit her advisor and favorite author Ruth Steiner to discuss a writing assignment. Ruth invites Lisa into her home and Lisa is overcome by the fact she is in her idol's apartment. There’s a bit of a misunderstanding, Ruth just sees that as a regular meeting with a student that happens to be at her apartment; Lisa thinks she’s being invited as a guest into Ruth’s apartment. Lisa is nervous and intimidated – speaking in a frenzied manner. She's a young writer with a lot of potential that wants to be shaped by Ruth. Over the course of the evening, through the interactions between the two women we see her progression as a writer and the shift in their relationship. We see Lisa grow to the point where Ruth seeks Lisa's advice on new writings but then challenges her interpretation of the new piece not able to relinquish control. The play explores the relationship between teacher and student – between mentor and protégé as well as what is fair game when writing. When is it appropriate to write about stories others have told you about? It does not try to pose judgment, but rather allow the audience to decide who was in the right in this instance.

In lesser hands, this play may not be very interesting, but under the capable direction of Bridget Kathleen O'Leary and with outstanding performances by Liz Hayes (Lisa) and Bobbie Steinbach (Ruth), this play shines. Lisa evolves from a nervous, intimidated, mousy novice writer into a writer who will do what it takes to get ahead. In the first scene you see her anxiety of embarking on her graduate career – a believable portrayal. Over the next couple hours, Hayes demonstrates Lisa's growth while maintaining vulnerability - a desire to still need approval from the one woman who is unfortunately incapable of providing such support. Bobbie Steinbach inhabits Ruth at her core and is great at as the intimidating, experienced professor who can never be pleased. She commands attention and shows great depth of emotion in the role.

Upon entering the Mosesian Theater, one immediately notices the lovely apartment of Ruth Steiner, masterfully designed by Jenna McFarland Lord with properties design by Joe Stallone. The opening scene and the angles make it feel like it is on the top floor and hidden away - Ruth’s hidden sanctuary. Great detail is put into it with a wall of books, a manual typewriter, and well-worn furniture. You immediately get the impression that this is a place Ruth has lived in for years. I also give credit to the whole team for ensuring that the actors do not get lost in such a large space – while everything around adds to the production, your focus is always on the actors and their compelling story. Credit should also be given to the David Reiffel's sound design – when you enter the space, you can hear the traffic outside the apartment. Deb Sullivan's lighting design also adds texture to the production through good use of light and color.

Overall, this is a strong production with a great team all around and standout performances by both Bobbie Steinbach and Liz Hayes. The story is an interesting one and will leave you evaluating the relationship between the two women after the show.