‘Such Small Hands’ is Filled with Big Emotions at Chance Theater – Review

Adam Szymkowicz’s World Premiere Play, ‘Such Small Hands‘ is filled with big emotions at the Chance Theater in Anaheim, CA.

Bruce Goodrich and Juliet Fischer in the World Premiere of ‘Such Small Hands‘ at Chance Theater. Playing February 28 – March 30, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Fyda-Mar Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.

In a masterful blend of tenderness, humor, and unflinching emotional depth, Such Small Hands, now extended through March 30, 2025, at Chance Theater, is a stunning testament to Adam Szymkowicz’s extraordinary writing. The play, a World Premiere developed through Chance Theater’s On the Radar (OTR) program, offers an intimate and beautifully realized portrait of love, memory, and the subtle art of holding on when everything else slips away.

This 70-minute play, directed by the immensely talented Matthew McCray, is a poignant exploration of a couple’s quiet morning ritual disrupted by the creeping onset of memory loss. Paul, played by Bruce Goodrich, begins to forget the smallest of things—names, places, even the way home—yet his relationship with Marie, portrayed with exquisite subtlety by Juliet Fischer, remains a beacon of affection, humor, and resilience. Their interactions are nothing short of magnetic, with every glance, every touch, capturing the quiet intensity of long-lived love.

However, the heart of ‘Such Small Hands‘ is not only in the beautiful performances but in the way the stage itself becomes a character. Ganymede Projects’ scenic design, combined with Azra King-Abadi’s hauntingly evocative lighting, transforms the space into a living, breathing entity. The set, at times, feels as though it holds as much weight as the characters themselves—its shifting moods mirror the emotional tides of Paul and Marie’s journey. The stage is not just a backdrop, but an integral part of the story—a quiet participant in the narrative, much like the memories that shape the lives of the characters.

Goodrich’s portrayal of Paul is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to convey the heartbreaking progression of memory loss while still holding on to the essence of Paul’s character—his wit, his tenderness, his love—creates a performance that lingers in your heart long after the curtain falls. As Marie, Fischer is equally remarkable. She navigates the delicate balance of frustration, sorrow, and devotion with such authenticity that you can’t help but feel her pain, her hope, and her enduring connection to Paul. Together, they bring to life a relationship that is both universal and deeply personal.

Szymkowicz’s writing is nothing short of brilliant. His ability to blend humor with heart-wrenching honesty makes Such Small Hands an experience unlike any other. His dialogue crackles with real-life humor while subtly revealing the profound emotional currents running beneath. His keen observations of the human condition are woven seamlessly into the play’s structure, making the 70 minutes feel like both a fleeting moment and an eternity—every second carrying weight, every word ringing with meaning.

‘Such Small Hands‘ not to be missed, and with the extension of performances through March 30, 2025, you have one more chance to witness the emotional powerhouse that is this world premiere.

If you love theater that challenges, moves, and makes you reflect on the ordinary moments of life with extraordinary clarity, make sure you catch ‘Such Small Hands‘.

Before purchasing tickets for ‘Such Small Hands‘, checkout our interview ‘Adam Szymkowicz Talks World Premiere of ‘Such Small Hands’ at Chance Theater – Interview‘.

To purchase tickets for ‘Such Small Hands‘ at Chance Theater visit: https://chancetheater.com/hands-tix/.

Chance Theater is located at
Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807