THE STORY: The time is 1947, and Stanley Rosen and Irving Yanover, lifelong friends now approaching young manhood, find themselves pitted against each other on two fronts. Both are piano prodigies, and will be rivals in a forthcoming, and prestigious, competition. And both, unfortunately, are smitten by the same girl, the lovely Fern Phipps, who (to the dismay of both the Rosen and Yanover families) is not even Jewish. But friendship wins out over ambition when both boys contrive to play poorly in the competition—so that neither will win. Also, as Fern has decided to award her favor to the winner of the piano contest, that problem is dealt with as well. And, again, all is put forth with such good humor and warmth that the play, like the others in the trilogy, becomes a lesson in the value of simple, family virtues and the essential brotherhood of man.
Based on stories by Morley Torgov. The third play of a trilogy (
Today I am a Fountain Pen,
A Rosen by Any Other Name) which centers on sometimes funny, sometimes poignant events in the lives of Jewish families living in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, before, during and after the Second World War. In this final play the Yanovers (from the first play) and the Rosens (from the second) find themselves in unaccustomed conflict as their sons Irving and Stanley, both piano prodigies, vie with each other in a valued piano competition and for the favors of the lovely Fern who, God forbid, happens to be a Protestant.
“The prime aim is to entertain, and these comedies have a dry wit and gentle charm that is delightful.” —New York Post.
“…possesses warmth, incision and a certain worldly chuckle beneath the writing.” —BackStage.
