Trapped in one room, a kidnapped American man is blindfolded, held by terrorists in a solitary prison somewhere in Beirut. He dreams of his wife and wonders if he will ever see her again. Cloistered in another room in the United States, the anguished wife worries if she will see him again as she fights the Washington bureaucracy to aid in her husband's release.

        Two Rooms by Lee Blessing deals specifically with Reagan-era Middle East politics. But in today's post-Sept. 11 climate, the play has taken on an eerie and powerful new relevance as it probes difficult questions.

        Why does it seem Americans are hated by so many in the Muslim world? What would happen to me if I were taken by terrorists? Will the terrorists or my government value my life over larger political considerations or must we learn that “on an individual basis we simply have to pay?”

        Two Rooms doesn't provide easy answers. But fortunately, the production by fledgling Queen City Off Broadway is up to the task of mining the dark nuances of these two distant rooms connected by an emotional bond.

        Dan Cooley gives a strong, reflective performance as the beaten prisoner Michael who won't give up on the beauties of life. Sunshine Cappelletti is equally engaging as distraught Lanie who resists moving on while her husband is still missing.

        Solid in supporting roles are Stephanie Cotton-Snell as the oh-so-professional State Department bureaucrat and Gary Anaple as an earnest but self-interested reporter.

        Much of the credit goes to director Brian Robertson, who keeps the action taut and his actors focused and precise. He allows the power of Two Rooms to build without forcing it.

        The bare-bones production plays out in the tiny setless performing space upstairs at Carol's on Main. In the audience, you are never more than a few feet from the actors. Two Rooms is the right kind of play for that tricky space, and Mr. Robertson and his cast make the most of it.

        Queen City Off Broadway's producing director, Lyle Benjamin, intends to use this intimate cabaret space to combine musical and theatrical performances. With this production, local folk-rock songstress Tracy Walker is the opening act. She performs a poignant and energetic guitar set of her own songs and one by Tracy Chapman.

        Drinks and food are served before the show and between acts. The whole evening is worth checking out.

        Two Rooms, through Feb. 17, Queen City Off Broadway, Carol's On Main, 825 Main St., (513) 681-2043.

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