Berkshire on Stage

Max Ritvo (Evan Horwitz) walks into a poetry class at Yale University taught by Sarah Ruhl (Andrus Nichols.)  Ruhl is, in fact, a noted playwright and poet who has written several on- and off-Broadway productions. Max has been writing poems in isolation that he would like to publish.  What follows is a friendship that surpasses the basic student-teacher relationship. The exchange of their letters is historically accurate.  This is a true story of poetry and life that touches the heart in a vibrant production at the Ancram Center For The Arts in Ancram, New York.

Max has suffered various forms of cancer since he was a teen but he still survives through his passion and drive to write.  While recuperating and unable to attend class he mails his work to Sarah.  While teaching and raising a family, Sarah advises, comforts and inspires Max.  Over several years the academic nature of the letters turns into personal revelations by both student and teacher.  Concurrently, they learn more about themselves.

The play focuses on the writing of their poetry while their personal statements, which are often directed to the audience, employ lyrical imagery and rhythms which profoundly intensify their comments.  It also hones in on their reactions to the obstacles Max faces as he tries to live his life in spite of his personal ordeals.

Under the direction of Paul Ricciardi, a co-founder of the Ancram Center, the performers are magnetic.  They hold the stage through the power of their words and diverse emotions that mesmerize the audience.  The pace of the play flows smoothly employing humor amid tragic circumstances. The various scenes are complemented by music composed and played on guitar by Liam Bellman-Sharpe who also created the sound design which richly underscores the overall tone of the story.

Mr. Horwitz’s character evolves as he grows from a teenager to a young man. In the moments he talks about the effects of the disease on his life the frustration and cynicism pour out of him eliciting the audience’s sympathy.  Ms. Nichols’ Sarah moves fluently from strength to compassion as she counsels her friend.  The actors’ emotions ring true giving conviction and depth to their conversations and monologues.

The Ancram Center has the ability to vary the placement and construction of the stage.  Plays have been performed on a proscenium stage or with the audience in the round or with the audience in the performing area.  For this production, the playing space is a long narrow inches- high platform, steps at the upstage end, with the audience seated on bleachers on three sides.  Using only two chairs this configuration physically underlines the characters’ connections as their lives change.

Ancram is known for its daring choices that are usually out of the mainstream.  This and the quality of their work has given the theatre a highly respected reputation.  See “Letters From Max,” a stunning display of linguistic gymnastics, and you will discover why.

Letters From Max by Sarah Ruhl and Max Ritvo, Director: Paul Ricciardi; Cast: Evan Horwitz (Max Ritvo) Andrus Nichols (Sarah Ruhl);  Musician: Liam Bellman-Sharpe; Scenic Design: Lily Guerin;  Costume Design: Alicia Austin; Lighting Design and Projections: Evan Anderson; Sound Design: Liam Bellman-Sharpe; Running Time: one hour, forty minutes, one intermission; Ancram Center For The Arts, 1330 Co. Rte 7, Ancram, NY 12502; July 17-19 & July 22-26, 2026; For tickets and information: www.ancramcenter.org or 518-329-0114