This 1981 two-hander by Tom Kempinski lives up to its title in that, although the entire play is composed of conversations between a musician and her psychiatrist, the musician is essentially telling her story as the shrink listens carefully, takes notes, and interjects the occasional remark. The musician, Stephanie Anderson (Jennifer Pearce), is a virtuoso concert violinist stricken with multiple sclerosis at age 33. She is far too young and has far too much life ahead of her to comprehend a life of dependency upon others -- and, worse yet, a life devoid of the ability to play her violin. Music has been her escape, her fantasy, her way of coping with life. In short, it is, in her own words, her reality. Stephanie's pianist husband and duet partner suggests she see Dr. Feldman (Carl Wawrina) for "support and guidance" in dealing with the "creeping paralysis" of her disease. Stephanie goes, reluctantly.
What transpires is a series of lengthy monologues for Pearce. The doctor questions and probes, often provoking hostility. Over the course of six visits -- the play's six scenes -- Kempinski's character study shows an individual coming to grips with her illness and its horrific effects. In doing so, she exhibits denial ("I'm fine"), anger, bargaining ("I have a plan"), depression, and ultimately, calm acceptance of her fate. Pearce plays Kempinski's incisive, trenchant, and unexpectedly funny text like a master, hitting all of Stephanie's highs and lows in a naturalistic style. Her conversations with Wawrina, low-key as the logical, analytical doctor, are so low-volume that you might find yourself straining to catch the dialogue. What emerges is a portrait of a brilliantly talented young artist dealt a cruel blow by fate -- expressing bitterness, self-pity, and glimmers of hope. Like Pearce's work, director Trina Klossing's staging, which uses classical violin music entr'acte, is masterful.
Presented by and at the Orange Curtain Theatre,
31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.
Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. April 4-20.
(949) 412-3252. www.theorangecurtaintheatre.org.