Thoughts, Hope and Wonderous Words (Eve Theatre)
Pen Pals
Written by Michael Griffo
Directed by Jason Cooper
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
It is 1955, a high school student writes a letter to a pen pal who lives across the pond. What starts as school project blossoms into a lifelong friendship. Pen Pals with Eve Theatre is a lovely telling of a bond between two unlikely strangers who grow close even though they are miles apart.
With a staging in the MeX Theatre and a simple setting with tables and chairs, the letters sent between Bernie and Mags maintain focus from start to finish. Reading from intricately decorated binders which show off their distinct personalities, Susan McNeese Lynch as Bernie and Karole Spangler’s Mags are fully formed, showing the curious exploration of new friendship in their teens to the mature familiarity as adults. Their characters witness the moon landing, president assassinations, royal weddings, the September 11th attacks and everything in between. Sharing stories of first love, marriages, and finding passions, Bernie and Mags share support for each other even in difficult conflicts. Their story may seem ordinary but their relationship proves to be special. Communication between the two friends relies on letters yet their dialogue flows as though they are chatting in the same room.
As Bernadette, or Bernie, Susan McNeese Lynch brings a curious, excitable energy that is rooted in her portrayal as the fifteen year old and grows with time. Extroverted and lively, Lynch’s Bernie is opinionated and wants the best for her friend. Lynch brings a heartfelt performance as Bernie raises children, experiences an ailing husband and faces her own breast cancer diagnosis as well. She has big dreams and lives for the stage. Karole Spangler’s Margaret, or Mags, is a bookish and artsy misfit. Spangler’s performance as the smart and quirky Brit provides contrast to Bernie’s life. As Bernie pursues a traditional adult life, Mags faces many ups and downs of her own. As Mags faces harassment at work and tragedies later in life, Spangler gives a performance with emotional and authentic depth.Bernie and Mags’ friendship endures even the most extreme difficulties. Spangler brings a grounded performance as Mags struggles to accept her son’s identity and choosing to terminate a pregnancy. Lynch’s performance during these times of conflict maintains a steady conviction for Bernie. They disagree, conflict arises and time is spent apart without letters. Time goes by and apologies are made with their friendship growing stronger. Spangler and Lynch prove their chemistry as best friends consistently and frequently throughout the play with satisfying effect.
Pen Pals makes you appreciate the little things in friendship; how a simple letter can give support, show love or give light in a moment of darkness. Bernie and Mags do not use phones or social media to stay in touch. The friends prove that even though they live far apart, a letter can bring their worlds together.
Pen Pals
Eve Theatre
September 24, 25, 26, 27
October 1,2,3,4
Kentucky Performing Arts Mex Theatre
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 584-7777
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