It's easy to see that something is up when two old men meet on a park bench in New York City just before Christmas in William Hanley's one-act "Whisper Into My Good Ear." What's up is that these lonely old duffers are going to end it all. What follows is a masterfully acted and deeply moving conversation about what you do when it seems like life has run its course. Lawrence Ripp's outgoing Charlie is a perfect contrast to Patrick O'Brien's reserved Max, but both carry decades of hard living and loneliness in their sad eyes and stooped postures. Max's big secret doesn't carry the same weight now as it did in 1962, but Charlie's reaction — and his sudden desire to keep living — makes this a sublime and moving show. (4 p.m. Sat., 5:30 p.m. Mon., 7 p.m. Thu., 2:30 p.m. Aug. 12, Strike Theater, 824 18th Av. NE., Mpls.)
ED HUYCK
