Actresses Nancy McKeon (“The Facts of Life”) and Johanna Day portrayed “Pen Pals” in Off-Broadway play. Their run ends today, on Sunday, February 9th at The Theatre at St Clement’s in New York.
This play had a rotating cast of distinguished actresses, so no two performances were ever alike.
This Off-Broadway show was written by Michael Griffo and directed by SuzAnne Barabas. It depicts two ordinary women, Bernie (Nancy McKeon) and Mags (Johanna Day), in one extraordinary relationship (keeping in touch through written letters).
Bernie and Mags live in two different places (Newark, New Jersey, and Sheffield, England respectively), they’ve never met in person, and yet they are best friends, especially since they’ve been pen pals for over five decades.
These two complex ladies (who started out as girls) have been through all the curveballs that life could have possibly thrown at them: the highest highs, the lowest lows (failed relationships and/or living with losses), and everything in between.
Nancy McKeon was incandescent as Bernie opposite an enthralling Johanna Day as Mags. Kudos once again to Michael Griffo for writing such an impressive script, and to SuzAnne Barabas for her solid direction.
Actor Ignacyo Matynia remarked, “‘Pen Pals’ is a poignant and beautifully acted play that delves into the complexities of a lifelong friendship, regret, and resilience. Nancy McKeon and Johanna Day bring depth and authenticity to their roles, crafting an emotionally rich and humorous experience.”
The Verdict
Overall, Nancy McKeon and Johanna Day were exceptional in this play, and they went all out in their performances: they were raw, witty, gritty, and cried during the emotional scenes that needed tears.
All of the women that took on the roles of Bernie and Mags in this rotating cast deserve to be commended for bringing something unique and special to the table, and for making it their own.
“Pen Pals” is certainly a keeper, and hopefully, there will be more where that came from… and it will be played on the Broadway level in the near future.
For more information on “Pen Pals,” check out its official website.
