By Daniel Dullum
Spectrum staff writer

The cozy setting of Sacramento Theatre Company's Stage Two makes the play "Fossils" a nearly interactive experience -- a fact not lost on its talented two-person cast.

"It takes a little getting used to at first, but it has its advantages and disadvantages," said Mary Ann Thebus, who portrays Carrie, a retired school teacher. "One of the advantages is that you don't have to project your voice way up there. You can just talk to each other and whatever is going on, you can trust the audience will pick it up."

Ann Whitney, who plays Abigail, a retired economics professor, added, "I find that I'm energized by the audience, and they're very much aware of what's going on. And it's a nice thing for this play.

"When we had the first preview audiences, you know you have to come down the steps and walk over to the other end of the porch, and there are four people with their legs stretched out and their purses right there and you can't gesture and ask them to put them back," Whitney added. "You just have to trust that they will and so far, everybody has."

And, so far, audiences are enjoying playwright Claudia Allen's lively dialogue as Thebus and Whitney effectively bring it to life in a setting that leaves the audience feeling like passers-by in the neighborhood, rather than mere observers.

Whitney performed the world premiere of "Fossils" with Julie Harris two years ago at Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago. Sandy Shinner, who directed the play in Chicago, also directs the STC production.

"We [Whitney and Harris] both really liked the play. I was thrilled that they asked me to do it here," said Whitney, who also stays busy with occasional movie roles and commercial voiceovers. "I was drawn to the concept of two people who have never met before, who are trying to find out about each other but not go too far or push each other, eventually becoming friends and very close. That, and how my character came to the revelation about herself. It was challenging."

"I like the role and all those things, and I knew Ann was going to be doing it and I wanted to work with her," Thebus added. "I also thought it would be nice to be in Sacramento during the winter, since we're here from Chicago!"

In "Fossils," Abigail and Carrie meet by chance at a bed-and-breakfast on the shores of Lake Michigan and, almost immediately, begin probing each other's past -- something neither woman is particularly willing to discuss at any length. At the same time, they're at opposite ends of viewpoints on subjects like politics, and the mention of Abigail's homosexual granddaughter strikes a nerve that sparks further debate.

"I like the issues that it deals with a lot, and that they're addressed quite sensitively with respect and humor," said Thebus, a Chicago native who also teaches master classes in acting. "I like the fact that it deals with issues that affect us as we age, which is not to just settle in and just accept things as they are. An adventuresome spirit is an adventuresome spirit, whether you're 17 or 70. And that it's important to welcome change and to be open to new things."

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