by Joanna McClelland Glass

Directed by Simon Challenger

A young Canadian girl, an old Philidephia judge. Two people at opposite ends of life, 'trying' to understand one another.

Winner: Fraser Valley Zone

Best Supporting Actress
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Production

In addition, we received honourable mention for:
Set Design - Doug Huggins
Set Decoration - Mary-Ellen Smith, Doug Huggins, Sharon Malone and Heather Lee
Makeup - Kelsea Dobson

Winner: BC Mainstage

Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Sound
Best New Director
Best Production

...

Trying was first produced at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theatre in March 2004 where it was honored with a Joseph Jefferson (Jeff) award for best new work.

Click here to read more about Emerald Pig's production of Trying in the Maple Ridge NEWS.

Judge Frances Biddle is a crusty octogenarian who was Attorney General under Franklin Roosevelt. He just can’t seem to find the right person to assist him in organizing the papers and experiences of a brilliant career. Many have tried, but none have succeeded. Just as he decides that there’s no one who can meet his expectations, Sarah Schorr, a 25 year old, plain-spoken girl from Saskatchewan, arrives at his office. Has the judge’s wife finally found someone with the gumption to handle this curmudgeon? Set in Georgetown, Washington, DC, in November 1967, Trying is based on playwright Joanna McClelland Glass’ experience working for Judge Biddle. It is a heart-warming story of friendship, understanding and mutual respect.

Meet Our Cast: for more information click here

John Stuart as

Judge Francis Biddle: An 81 year old, once brilliant man who was Attorney General under Franklin Roosevelt. After a long and illustrious career he now functions, as he says, “somewhere between lucidity and senility”. He is the aristocratic scion of an old, Main Line Philadelphia family. More on Judge Biddle’s life can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Biddle

Emily Doreen Wilson as

Sarah Schorr: A 25 year old girl who has been hired, by Mrs. Biddle, to be the judge’s secretary. She is direct, plain-spoken, pleasant girl, originally from the prairie province of Saskatchewan.

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Emily Wilson as Sarah Schorr

John Stuart as Judge Biddle

Photos by Ian McAdie