Ripcord

Roommates can be a problem.   All you have to do is ask any husband, wife, sister, brother or college student with a roommate for affirmation.   Matching similar need and wants into longtime friendships can be tricky. Between shared responsibilities, schedules, cleanliness and unquestionably different personalities, people just don’t always get along.
Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire wrote the script for The Omaha Playhouse’s newest production, Ripcord discovers this special relationship to be true.
For Abby Bender (Carleen Willoughby), this is true.  Abby is purposefully despicable to her roommates in an effort for them to want to move out of “her” shared room.  Unfortunately, Bristol Place Senior Living Facility does not always have the space for single rooms.  Abby enjoys her books, her plants, and her phenomenal view of the park below with her bed beside her large window.  She much prefers the solitude of her books, caring for her plants, and her view for observing nature and people.  Who needs a roommate?    She has all she needs and prides herself in never being scared of anything or anybody.
Marilyn Dunne (Judy Radcliffe) is Abby’s newest roommate.   Marilyn is the opposite of Abby in almost every way.   She is cheerful, outgoing, enjoys walks, and the outdoors with constant involvement and interactions with every living creature.   She is the optimist who is never, ever angry.
Opposites can attract but this one seems doomed for disaster as roommates.
Immediately, the two discover conflict.
After a few days, the two recognize that something has to change.   Their solution is a bet.
Marilyn, the newcomer, in the room with Abby if she succeeds in scaring her in some way.   Added to that, her bed will replace Abby’s as the one by the window so she can view the invigorating day as she awakens.
All Abby has to do is to make Marilyn angry.   Just one outburst of anger and Marilyn agrees to move out, leaving the room to Abby.
Ripcord continues with pranks and spite with Marilyn and Abby attempting to outdo each other in order to win the bet.   While the antics are hilarious, they are also a little sad that anyone would actually consider doing these things to another human.
Both actresses, Carleen Willoughby and Judy Radcliffe are masterful in Ripcord.  The first time Judy and her family arrive on stage, it is easy for the audience to connect with her.  Carleen has the difficult role of the antagonist while expertly portraying her crankiness.  What I find most appealing is how these two grow their characters in an extremely short period of time.
The supporting cast if fantastic.  Sahil Khullar as Scotty, the nursing home employee, is believable in his attempts to have the bet stopped while looking out for the interests of Abby and Marilyn.  Colleen (Kaiatlyn McClincy) also portrays the Woman in White along with her onstage husband (Matt Tarr) who is also the Zombie Butler and the Masked Men are great in their roles as Marilyn’s daughter and son-in-law assisting in the scheme to scare Abby.
Kevin Goshorn is terrific as Benjamin, Lewis and the clown.  He makes the play poignant with his role.
The sets are simple, purposefully and functional.  Everything moves through a rope system which is fascinating to observe as it always remains on stage.
The behind-the-scenes staff are marvelous with Kimberly Faith Hickman directs with Gabi Rima as stage manager, Amanda Fehler as costume designer, John Gibilisco as resident sound designer, Darin Kuehler in charge of properties, Jim Othuse as lighting designer, Paul Pape in change of being the scenic designer, and Tim Vallier as the wonderfully unique and fitting music composer and arranger.
The first act is fifty-five minutes and the second is fifty following a fifteen minute intermission.
The play itself is delightful while the pranks escalate to being over-the-top, the mixture of comedy and humanity are memorable.
Ideally, the play is aimed at those approaching the age of being a senior citizen or those who already are seniors, as well as their families.  This production is not appropriate for children.
Ripcord continues through February 11th with shows at 7:30 pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays and at 2:00 pm on Sunday afternoon.
Prices are $30 for adults and $18 for students.   On Wednesdays, the price for the shows are $24 for adults and $16 for students.  Ticket prices can change based on dates, seat locations, groups, and demands.
To purchase tickets, call 402-553-0800, through the website at omahaplayhouse.com.   You can also visit the theater box office at The Omaha Playhouse, located at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha.
For a play that combines comedy with human emotions, see Ripcord.