“Ripcord” by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by V. Craig Heidenreich presents a two-act comedy play set in a Senior Living Facility with two diametrically opposed life philosophies. Abby (Sara Morsey) is a sad emotionally broken person who is not afraid of anything and wants to be left alone. Marilyn (Nell Page*) a bubbly, energetic outgoing lady moves into Abby’s room. The fun begins with Abby trying to get Marilyn to move out. A bet is made. If Abby wins, Marilyn must move out. If Marilyn wins, she gets Abby’s bed by the window. The “No Holds Barred” contest begins.
The orderly, Scotty, (Logan Wolfe*) Marilyn’s children, Benjamin (Bryan Mercer*), and Colleen, (Laura Shakus) and Abby’s dysfunctional son, Derek, (Niall McGinty*) are all brought into play to accomplish a win. Abby does all to make Marilyn mad. Marilyn pulls out every stop to scare Abby even resorting to drugging her to go Sky Diving, hence the play title “Ripcord”. A lot of laughs and humor abound. The sparse set with two beds, a table and two chairs works well with all the movement and some action on the thrust no curtain stage. The two acts are divided into several scenes while actors change costumes. The “stage hand,” in between scenes, almost steals the show with precise animated movements while rearranging the set and brings a round of applause at the end.
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Villager Don Simson reviews local theater for Villages-News.com