Huntington Theatre Company Presents "Ripcord" by David Lindsay-Abaire - A Poignant Comedy - Extended By Popular Demand To July 2nd

I was excited when I learned that the Huntington Theatre Company would close its current season with the brilliant comedy, "Ripcord," by David Lindsay-Abaire. I had seen the New York production, and was moved to laughter and to tears by this brilliant work of art. I was eager to see what the Huntington would do in mounting its own production. As is always the case with the Huntington, they have brought the highest production values to the telling of this story. Director Jessica Stone has the cast fine-tuned, so that the comic timing hits like a series of lightning bolts. The Scenic Design by Tobin Ost is a faithful depiction of an upscale assisted living home that converts to a Halloween Haunted House, the cargo hold of an airplane, and other settings. Lighting by David Welner, Projection Design by Lucy Mackinnon, and Sound and Original Music by Mark Bennett transport us to the places that the playwright conceived in his fertile imagination.

Annie Golden as Marilyn and Nancy E. Carroll as Abby
 Huntington Theatre Company's production of
"Ripcord" by David Lindsay-Abaire
Directed by Jessica Stone,
South End / Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA.
Through July 2nd
© Photo: T. Charles Erickson

The play involves the unlikely pairing of two roommates in an assisted living home. If a female can be described as a curmudgeon, that is exactly who Abby is, played superbly by Nancy E. Carroll. She prefers to be alone, but cannot afford the extra expense of a private room. She has succeeded in scaring away most earlier roommates, and attempts to do so when Marilyn (the irrepressible Annie Golden) is assigned to her room. Marilyn is chronically and perpetually cheerful, seemingly incapable of getting angry. And Abby claims to be impervious to anything that might scare a normal person. They agree on a bet. If Marilyn can scare Abby, then Marilyn gets to take the bed by the window with the wonderful view. If Abby can make Marilyn angry, they Marilyn will agree to move out and leave Abby to her privacy. And the game is on!

Ms. Carroll and Ms. Golden have perfected their immiscible oil and water routine, upping the ante with each round of practical jokes, pranks, and mean tricks. South Boston's own Mr. Lindsay-Abaire is at the top of his game here. His limitless ability to concoct absurd and hilarious scenarios is on full display in this play. This story contains plenty of sight gags and clever verbal quips that elicit belly laughs. But, like all great comedy, if you drill deep enough into the funny bone you hit a mother load of tragic marrow that approaches pathos.

Ms. Carroll is well known to Boston audiences, having won numerous awards for her work here, on Broadway and abroad. Ms. Golden is also a familiar face, most recently seen in the five seasons of the Netflix series, "Orange Is The New Black" in the role of Norma Romano. I love the fact that Costume Designer Gabriel Barry gave Marilyn a vibrant orange sweater to wear in one of the scenes!

Adding texture and spice to the action are these additional excellent cast members:

• Ugo Chukwu as Scotty, the aide who brings medication, food, and other amenities to the residents.
• Laura Latreille as Colleen, Marilyn's daughter, and Richard Prioleau as Derek, Marilyn's son.
• Eric T. Miller as Benjamin, Abby's estranged son.

Richard Prioleau, Nancy E. Carroll, Eric T. Miller, Annie Golden, and Laura Latreille
in the Huntington Theatre Company's production of
"Ripcord" by David Lindsay-Abaire
Directed by Jessica Stone,
South End / Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA.
Through July 2nd
© Photo: T. Charles Erickson

While providing us with non-stop entertainment, the playwright also gently invites us to ponder existential questions on the nature of aging, legacy, friendship, family, forgiveness, loneliness, and resilience.

You will not want to miss this final production in another successful Huntington season.

At the Calderwood Pavilion at Boston Center for the Arts through July 2nd. Pull the ripcord and order your tickets now. I guarantee a spectacular view and a soft landing.

Huntington Theatre Website

Enjoy!

Al