THE HANGOVER REPORT – Signature premieres LETTERS FROM MAX, Sarah Ruhl’s evocative testament to a kindred spirit gone way too soon

Jessica Hecht and Zane Pais in Signature Theatre Company’s production of “Letters from Max” by Sarah Ruhl at the Pershing Square Signature Center (photo by Joan Marcus).

Earlier this week, Signature Theatre Company’s world premiere production of Letters from Max by Sarah Ruhl opened at the Pershing Square Signature Center. The two-hander was adapted by the MacArthur Fellow playwright from her 2018 book of the same name, which is comprised of a compilation of correspondences between Ruhl and Max Ritvo, a talented poet who succumbed to cancer at the youthful age only 25.

Although their personal association with each other commenced as a teacher-student relationship, Ruhl and Ritvo quickly developed an intense friendship based on their shared sensibilities as it relates to artistic taste and personality. As kindred spirits, the two nurtured the relationship, with both fully appreciating the rarity of such a connection. When the element of mortality is thrown into the mix, their bond was strengthened even further, as evidenced by the tenderness and deep compassion of their later exchanges, which often incorporated warm yet well articulated advice and plenty of evocative poetry. Fear not — those deterred by the play’s ample poetry need not worry; the production makes sure that they register on a fundamentally and accessibly human level.

As translated from page to stage, the Letters from Max exudes both gravitas and delicacy, and is altogether a fitting living testament to a life and talent gone way too soon. Signature’s Off-Broadway production has been directed by Kate Whoriskey with an appropriately sensitive, soulful touch. As Ruhl, distinctive stage actress Jessica Hecht gives a layered performance that captures not only Ruhl’s wisdom and humanity, but also her acute sense of humor. The role of Ritvo is shared by two fine actors (the actor on their “off” night provides the evening’s live musical accompaniment). At the performance I attended, the role was played with thorough wit and charm by Ben Edelman (who alternates with Zane Pais).

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

LETTERS FROM MAX
Off-Broadway, Play
Signature Theatre Company
2 hours (including an intermission)
Through March 19

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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