Tryst: Never Love A Stranger

Mark Shanahan and Andrea Maulella

I have seen several plays staged by the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City, and I cannot remember ever being disappointed. Tryst is no exception.

This play took its audience on a wild ride with a con man seeking his next vulnerable prey, and the spinster who chooses to be that prey. As their two-day relationship progresses and their histories unfold, we learn that these two seemingly stock characters are much more complex than they first appeared. We learn that they both have secrets, fears, and severe emotional scarring. What happens next will not be revealed here. It suffices to say that the ending delivers a mind-numbing twist.

On a personal note, it was fun chatting during intermission with folks in the next row about the characters and their stories, and discussing how it might all turn out. After the play, my friend and I discussed Tryst over Thai food. What a perfect way to spend a summery Saturday afternoon in New York City!