Two Handers

Two handers are a unique, exciting, and challenging performance opportunity. The challenge begins with the task of memorization. If it isn’t your line, it’s your partner’s. There’s a bond like no other that I’ve experienced because you must rely on the other actor for every exchange, every emotional or vocal/physical nuance. I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful actors to work with on all eight of my two hand journeys. The other special feature of the two-hand adventure is one’s relationship with the audience. Each night they get to spend the entire evening with the two of you. It’s much like inviting them into your living room for a fine long conversation.

Richard’s Two Handers:

Two for the Seesaw – Wayside Theatre, VA, 1980
My first two hander with my wife, Jude Reagan. The playwright, William Gibson, is one of are all-time favorite American writers. We were skillfully directed by Robert Brink who understood the complexity of this multi-scenic play about star-crossed lovers. Jude as Gittel. Richard as Jerry.

Same Time Next Year – Wayside Theatre, VA, 1980
A challenging but fun romp where Jude and I play Doris and George who are married to others but get together in the same room in a run-down motel every year for 25 years. This was our first opportunity to be directed by George Black, a master at staging style comedy.

Mass Appeal – St. Michael’s Playhouse, VT, 1983
Two Catholic priests from different generations struggling to understand each other’s view of religion. It was an honor to be directed by Joanne Rathgeb and on stage with Bill Farley.

Greater Tuna – St. Michael’s Playhouse, VT, 1984
Ron Lee Savin was my amazing partner in this wacky, wild play, enthusiastically directed by Margaret O’Brien. There were two shows running simultaneously every performance. After every scene there was a 15-second full costume change. I wish we had filmed the whirlwind of backstage activity that occurred before the next Tuna citizen appeared.

Rounding Third – Heritage Festival Theatre, VA, 2005
My only chance to perform in a play about baseball opposite a great friend, Martin Beekman, who happens to be a diehard Boston Red Sox fan. I root for the Yankees. In real life Martin and I coached our sons on rival teams in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. Life and art merged, and Martin and I had a ball throwing each other straight lines every night!

Educating Rita – St. Michael’s Playhouse, VT, 2007
One of my favorite acting gigs mostly due to my talented, generous partner, Andrea Wollenberg. Dre was a former student of mine in the 1996 University of Virginia MFA company. Her portrayal of Rita was full of vitality and vulnerability. My son, Ben Warner, was the sound designer. He created a beautiful soundscape of modern jazz.

Chapatti – Heritage Festival Theatre, VA, 2017
This was a challenge like no other in my career. A complex script to memorize with lots of calls for deep emotional engagement. Jude was my partner. We have never felt closer and more connected to each other on stage and with our audiences.

Chapatti – St. Michael’s Playhouse, VT, 2018
Jude and I got the opportunity to reprise our roles on a bigger stage with a larger audience and a theater that we were blessed to call one of our artistic homes. It was very satisfying to revisit and refine our work together on this beautiful play.