Old folks go after each other in Live Theatre Workshop‘s production of David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Ripcord.”
The reason? Abby Binder, who is comfortably ensconced in a room at Bristol Place Senior Living Center, does not want a roommate. Abby is a curmudgeon of the first order, anti-social, and seems to have ice in her veins.
So when chirpy Marilyn Dunne moves in, it’s war.
Abby has a mean streak miles wide, and she taps into it in an effort to run Marilyn out of the room.
But it’s the sunniest room in the center. Marilyn wants to stay.
It’s at an impasse until the two make a bet: If Abby can make Marilyn mad she has to move. But if Marilyn can make Abby scared — she claims nothing ever will — she gets to stay and take over the bed with the view.
What follows is a sitcom-y play full of tricks and cruelty and yes, laughter, as the two battle it out.
Rhonda Hallquist and Gretchen Wirges in “Ripcord.”
Lindsay-Abaire has crafted some poignant plays that have something to say — “Kimberly Akimbo” and “Rabbit Hole” among them.
While often funny, this is not one of those plays. “Ripcord” doesn’t resonate beyond the laughter.
On top of that, there is so much cruelty in the tricks they play on each other that it is hard not to squirm in your seat.
Nevertheless, it makes for a good, light evening of theater. That is in large part due to this cast.
We’ve seen Rhonda Hallquist play patrician roles before and she does them well. That is no different than in her portrayal of the leave-me-alone Abby. Her coldness gave us shivers. It isn’t until the final moments that her humanity comes through. We blame the playwright for that.
Gretchen Wirges as the ever-optimistic Marilyn is a true delight. She beautifully and expertly claimed that character as her own.
The rest of the cast, Eddie Diaz, Josh Parra, Avis Judd and Jon Heras, expertly helped to bring the laughter up.
Director Nancy Davis Booth saw to it that the humor came through. Just wish she had the material to allow some depth and poignancy to come through, as well.
“Ripcord” is at Live Theatre Workshop through Feb. 7, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road. Tickets are $27 at livetheatreworkshop.org or 520-327-4242.
