Stagecraft: Michael Griffo on “Pen Pals” - BroadwayRadio

Summary

BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

Podcast Information:

Title: BroadwayRadio
Host: BroadwayRadio
Episode: Stagecraft: Michael Griffo on “Pen Pals”
Release Date: December 28, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of Stagecraft, host Jan Simpson delves into the creative process behind Michael Griffo’s latest play, Pen Pals. Released at the Theater at Saint Clements in partnership with Susan G. Komen, the play explores the evolving lives of two women over fifty years through their exchanged letters. The conversation offers a deep dive into Griffo’s inspirations, character development, thematic choices, and the play’s unique structure.

Overview of Pen Pals

Michael Griffo introduces Pen Pals as a two-hander that chronicles the changes in women’s lives from the 1940s to the late 20th century. The narrative unfolds through letters exchanged between Bernie from New Jersey and Mags from Sheffield, England. Griffo explains:

“Pen Pals is inspired by my mother's real life pen pal relationship with her pen pal Sheila that she had remarkably from the time she was 14 until 77 when she passed away.” (01:18)

The play’s format allows the audience to witness the characters’ growth and the shifting societal landscapes through their correspondence.

Inspiration Behind the Play

Griffo draws heavily from his mother’s pen pal experiences, highlighting the rarity of such relationships in the digital age. He reflects on the authenticity and intimacy captured in the letters:

“I just thought it was amazing. And I remember growing up and it was always Sheila from Sheffield, Sheila from Sheffield, my pen pal.” (01:18)

His personal connection deepens the emotional resonance of the play, making it a heartfelt tribute to enduring friendships.

Characterization of Bernie and Mags

Jan Simpson probes into how Griffo developed the characters of Bernie and Mags, noting their differences despite being inspired by real-life figures. Griffo elaborates:

“Bernie is very much like my mother in her personality and tone of voice. Very straightforward, very much. You have a problem, fix it.” (06:40)

In contrast, Mags embodies a more free-spirited and artistic personality, providing a dynamic interplay between the two characters. This contrast underscores the diverse perspectives and experiences of women across different cultures and generations.

Themes and Storytelling Choices

The play addresses significant social issues such as the rise of the Beatles, abortion, and gay rights, weaving them seamlessly into the personal narratives of Bernie and Mags. Griffo explains his approach to selecting these themes:

“We wanted to make sure that there were some touchstones, like she mentions Bobby Darren. We talk about Rock Hudson, we talk about Natalie.” (09:52)

By integrating historical events, the play not only tracks personal growth but also reflects broader societal changes, enhancing its relatability and depth.

Structural Influences and Play Format

Griffo acknowledges the influence of epistolary plays like Love Letters and Daddy Long Legs on his work. He discusses the challenges and unique aspects of writing a play primarily through letters:

“We set up a device at the very top where Mags as Mags in the present day is reading the letter that Bernie gave her.” (13:24)

This structure allows for an intimate portrayal of the characters’ inner lives, emphasizing their emotional journeys without the need for elaborate staging.

Rotating Cast Concept

A standout feature of Pen Pals is its rotating cast of actors, a concept Griffo had envisioned from the outset. He highlights the flexibility and opportunities this format presents:

“It’s not that crazy an idea to think two new actresses can come in every week or every two weeks or something with minimal rehearsal.” (15:46)

This approach not only showcases diverse talents but also symbolizes the evolving nature of the characters’ relationship over decades.

Reception and Impact

Griffo shares the positive reception the play has received, particularly from audiences and cancer survivors affiliated with Susan G. Komen. He expresses pride in how the play resonates emotionally:

“The play captures a part of their life and what they're going through and the emotions that they're going through.” (17:47)

Additionally, he recounts audience reactions, including moments of laughter and tears, indicating the play’s powerful emotional impact:

“I love to say I make grown men cry because... you see yourself in these women.” (19:16)

Closing Remarks

As the conversation wraps up, Griffo extends his heartfelt thanks and encourages future audiences to experience Pen Pals, humorously suggesting they bring tissues:

“Come bring your tissues. I seriously tried to get them to have a marketing of, like, get regular Kleenex and put a pen pal sticker on it.” (21:01)

Jan Simpson concludes the episode by expressing enthusiasm for the play’s potential longevity and its role as a gift to actresses, especially those in the later stages of their careers.

Conclusion

This episode of Stagecraft provides an insightful look into Michael Griffo’s Pen Pals, highlighting the intricate blend of personal history, character depth, and societal commentary that defines the play. Through thoughtful dialogue and engaging storytelling, both Griffo and Simpson illuminate the enduring power of friendship and correspondence across generations.

For more episodes and information, visit BroadwayRadio.com.

Transcript

Jan Simpson (0:06)

Every play, every musical begins with some writer putting words on a page. Hello, and welcome to Stagecraft, the Broadway radio podcast that talks to playwrights and musical book writers about the shows they've created. My name is Jan Simpson. My guest this week is Michael Griffo, the author of Pen Pals, a two hander charting the changes in women's lives over the last half of the 20th century. Told through letters and by a rotating cast of actors, it is currently running through February 9th at the Theater at Saint Clements in partnership with the breast cancer organization. Susan G. Komen. Hello, Michael Griffo. Welcome to Stagecraft.

Michael Griffo (1:00)

Thank you so much for having me. I'm thrilled to be here.

Jan Simpson (1:04)

We start these conversations with a brief description of what the play is about. So could you tell listeners who haven't yet had a chance to see Pen Pals what it's about?

Michael Griffo (1:18)

Absolutely. So Pen Pals is inspired by. By my mother's real life pen pal relationship with her pen pal Sheila that she had remarkably from the time she was 14 until 77 when she passed away. And I just thought it was amazing. And I remember growing up and it was always Sheila from Sheffield, Sheila from Sheffield, my pen pal. And I thought it was just this wonderful premise, this wonderful connection that these two women had. And the older I got, the more I realized, nobody does this. Like, people don't have pen pals anymore. It's a lost art. So what I did was I said, I'm going to write a play. I had access to Sheila's letters that she had sent my mother, the later ones. And I started reading, and I just really did feel like I was violating their privacy, even though by, by that time, you know, they weren't really sharing their souls to each other. It was more of a litany of things that were happening and, and references to things that I didn't about, because they were talking about names and stuff that they knew, but I didn't know who they were. And the interesting thing is you got to remember my mother was born in 31. So this is like 1944, 1945, when, when they were kids, Sheila's penmanship was so beautiful. It was like art. And because, you know, the letters got a little smudged, I couldn't read some of them. It was really hard to read because they had this gorgeous penmanship. So I used their relationship as a springboard. You know, Sheila is from Sheffield, so I put one of the characters in Sheffield. So the Pen Pals play is about two women, Bernie and Mags, Bernadette and Margaret Bernadette is from New Jersey, Margaret's from Sheffield, and they become pen pals. And there are a few specific things that I lifted from my mother's life. I remember she told me that she was not supposed to be pen pals with Sheila, that she picked a boy, and her friend, a boy in the class, picked a girl, and he's like, I don't want to write to a girl. So they switched, which is really kind of funny. And there are very few things that I really know about Sheila's life, but I just didn't want to put them in because I honestly, I've lost contact with her because I suspect she may have passed away. After my mother passed, I sent some Christmas cards to Sheila, but I haven't gotten one in about two years.