Port Gamble Theater’s Second Stage Series will present a production of “Ripcord” as part of its Readers Theater in June. The two-weekend run is the reader’s theater version of David Lindsay-Abaire’s sharp-witted and darkly comedic play. Directed by Stephen Browning and featuring a cast of talented actors from Kitsap and Jefferson counties, performances will take place on June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, with Friday evening shows at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Originally directed by award-winning actor David Hyde Pierce, Ripcord took flight off-Broadway at the prestigious Manhattan Theatre Club in New York, premiering in October 2015. Critics wrote about Ripcord at the time: “A cosmic comic farce, both wacky and substantial. Genuinely moving, heartbreaking and hopeful, with funny lines and inspired moments, suggesting that even in old age, people can make choices that may produce a gentler landing.”
At the heart of this theatrical battleground are two fiercely determined residents of the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility: the cantankerous Abby Binder and the relentlessly cheerful Marilyn Dunne. In the original production, these memorable roles were brought to life by the acclaimed Holland Taylor as Abby and the versatile Marylouise Burke as Marilyn.
The two women room together at the facility. Abby is not happy about having a roommate, while Marilyn is quite content if she could have the bed by the window. They make a bet to fix their situations. Abby bets Marilyn that she can make her angry — if she wins, Marilyn moves out to another room. Marilyn bets Abby that she can make her scared — if she wins, she trades beds with Abby. Practical jokes ensue, getting more and more serious as lives are put at risk. Several other characters fill out the cast, helping Abby or Marilyn gain the upper hand until they learn to either live with one another or die, whichever comes first.
Comments