Roses in December

Much like A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters," this play is constructed as a back-and-forth correspondence between two actors, each in offices in separate cities. Carolyn Meyers (Amy Moorman) works for a university actively seeking to honor a well-known writer who attended the institution many years earlier. What she doesn't know is that said writer, Joel Gordon (Lary Ohlson), is a crusty borderline misanthrope who has no wish to be feted, so he turns her down. Thus commences the volley of letters that start off formally at the beginning and progress to intimacy as private details are revealed.

Unlike some two-person plays that are often presented at lecterns and may even be partially read, playwright Victor L. Cahn presents the characters in realistic settings (nicely decorated by Jeff G. Rack). As the action unfolds, Gordon and Meyers move about the stage and behave as people might who are receiving correspondence from each other. This is engaging and goes a long way toward drawing in the audience.

Secondarily, Cahn's characters are erudite, and the dialogue is witty and sparks candor as the letters progress. Director Melanie MacQueen, in director's notes in the program, opines that the play "does convey the power of words, the power of the memories they can invoke, the illusions they can spin." From this sensibility, MacQueen offers her actors a wide range of emotional responses, and Moorman and Ohlson deliver characters who are utterly believable as they spar.

Lighting designer Ellen Monocroussos successfully navigates the double settings, highlighting each character effectively. Bill Froggatt's sound design also enhances the production with subtle music.

If there is a fault to be found, it is in Act 2. It devolves into a slightly arty resolution that may be a little pat for the revelations Carolyn—they're now on a first-name basis—seeks to understand and Joel uncharacteristically spills forth. Even so, the production is a winning collaboration among Moorman, MacQueen, and Ohlson. This West Coast premiere has theatrical chops and should prove to be popular with audiences.

Presented by Theatre 40 at the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills High School Campus, Beverly Hills. Nov. 17-Dec. 18. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. (310) 364-0535. www.theatre40.org.