Review: Maureen McCormick and Sharon Lawrence are ‘Pen Pals’ in Off-Broadway production

Maureen McCormick and Sharon Lawrence in ‘Pen Pals.’ Photo Credit: Russ Rowland.

Veteran actresses Maureen McCormick (“The Brady Bunch”) and Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) play pen pals in the Off-Broadway production of “Pen Pals,” which is being performed at DR2 Theatre in Manhattan.

“Pen Pals” was written by Michael Griffo and it was directed by SuzAnne Barabas. Every two weeks, there is a rotating cast of actresses for these roles so that no two performances are ever alike.

The show is a celebration of the endearing power of friendship, longevity, and connection through handwritten letters over the span of 50 years.

Ever since 14 years old, Bernie and Mags shared every part of their lives together, which include their innermost secrets (first crushes, relationships, and the drama that came in their personal lives, and even medical scares).

In “Pen Pals,” Bernie (Maureen McCormick) and Mags (Sharon Lawrence) live in two different countries (United States and England respectively), they haven’t met in person, but they are best friends through their sincere and secret letters to one another.

The Verdict

All in all, Maureen McCormick and Sharon Lawrence were terrific in this iteration of “Pen Pals.” They sustained the audience’s attention for its entire 89-minute duration, and they were able to move fans on an emotional and spiritual level… it had it all: the love, the tears, and the laughs.

Maureen McCormick was irresistible and effervescent as Bernie; she brought new nuances to the character that other actresses hadn’t tried before, and it worked. Her phrasing and Newark accent were both spot-on.

Sharon Lawrence was fabulous as Mags, and she nailed the British accent to the tee. Both actresses worked really well together, and hopefully, they will get the chance to perform this show again at some point in the future.

Compliments to playwright Michael Griffo for writing such a captivating script that all audiences can relate to.

Their run in “Pen Pals” will wrap up on November 23rd, and it is highly recommended that one sees them perform live at the DR2 Theatre in New York City. They will not be disappointed.

Maureen McCormick and Sharon Lawrence earned an A rating for compelling job bringing these diverse and complicated characters to life. Well done.

To learn more about the Off-Broadway production “Pen Pals,” check out the official homepage.