I was a little hesitant when I went down to Greene last Friday for the opening night of “Talley’s Folly” at the Chenango River Theatre. I guess it didn’t register with me when they sent the press release, but I Googled it to find out a little more about it (like a Boy Scout, I try always to be prepared) and it dawned on me that this was a one-act play. Ninety or so minutes. With two characters.

It’s not something you see on the stage too often, a single act play with only two speaking roles. And, quite frankly, from an audience perspective, it’s a gamble. You’re stuck with these two actors for the entire duration of the play – and without an intermission? Forget it. This could well be recipe for disaster. If you’re not instantly and irresistably connected with both actors, it can be a very long hour and a half.

Fortunately for me, and I think for you, “Talley’s Folly” literally flies by. I didn’t once look at my watch or have that uncomfortable “make this be over” moment that so often happens when you fail to make that connection, made all the more crucial by the intimacy of a two-man show.