RIPCORD, written by David Lindsay-Abaire, soars onto the Live Theatre Workshop mainstage. Directed by Nancy Davis Booth, RIPCORD is a touching and hilarious story full of wit and warmth. The play is well-staged, with excellent set pieces and physical comedy. Characters are given plenty to do, and there is emotional depth to every interaction. RIPCORD is a story about two ladies at a senior living facility who decide to make a bet with each other. This odd couple deals with challenges of all shapes and sizes as both hilarity and chaos ensue. Nancy Davis Booth deftly balances the comedic with the bittersweet, creating a tonally resonant piece of theatre.
Rhonda Hallquist and Gretchen Wirges play Abby and Marilyn, respectively. Their chemistry is palpable, and there were times when I genuinely thought these two people detested each other. This is a testament to the tremendous acting chops of the two leads. I will be honest: THE ODD COUPLE is my favorite play and while RIPCORD comes very close, THE ODD COUPLE is still my favorite. However, this “odd couple” scenario is effectively tense and hysterical because of the fantastic comedy and quiet tragedy brought to us by Hallquist and Wirges. The play works, and it works well.
RIPCORD features a very strong supporting cast. At times the actors played multiple characters. Eddie Diaz is relentlessly charming as Scotty. He won over the hearts of our audience, resulting in an applause break in the middle of the show! Josh Parra has commanding stage presence as Benjamin. I wish his character had more time onstage. Avis Judd as Colleen and Jon Heras as Derek virtually stole the show. Their interactions as a married couple drew several chuckles from the audience. They were a breath of fresh air and added considerable levity to the intensity of the main narrative…