As we left the sneak-peek dress rehearsal, my husband said, “I think that’s my favorite show I’ve ever seen at Theatre 98!”
I had no idea what to expect before I saw Ripcord, a new play written by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Timothy Guy, and what I got was a hilarious, heartbreaking, breathtaking, mesmerizing surprise of a show!
How do you write a play about two elderly women sharing a room in a nursing home and make it interesting?
Well, give it a slight touch of The Odd Couple, sprinkle it with Carol Burnette, and add a dash of drama from Days of Our Lives, and you’ve got a good place to start.
The cast was amazing, and the set design was INCREDIBLE. I know in the photos it pretty much looks like two beds, but wait till you see what those beds can do! Talk about creative!
There’s so much I want to say about the story, but it would definitely give some of the surprise elements away, and there are even some really great photos I’ll keep to myself (like the one involving the closet door). And I can’t even tell you why it’s called, “Ripcord” because that will give away something great as well. But I’m telling you . . . this is a good one. Very good, indeed.
To have such talented actors and stage assistants in our community is a gift, and yet still a surprise to some who live here. If you’ve never been to Theatre 98, this is the time to get out of your regularly scheduled TV time and do something new!
No politics, no lectures, just good fun. However . . . I know I have readers like me, who have “sensitive ears,” so in full disclosure, there are a few naughty words in this production, and a loud scary clown, but . . . no nudity (nursing home, remember?). Hahaha!
The Ripcord cast includes the two featured roles, expertly played by Brenda Hedstrom and Teri Odell, along with the talented Jamie Shows. The busy, busy supporting cast members are Kathy Smith, Kelly Teague, Reb Bodet and mechanics by Ashley Campbell, Bob McDonald, and Jennifer Walker.
Show dates and times are: January 27 – 29, February 3-5, and the final weekend, Feb 10-12, with Friday and Saturday performances at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. Ticket prices are $18 or $12 for students. You’d spend way more than that on date night with hamburgers and fries, but the play doesn’t elevate your cholesterol, and laughter is healthy!
Go to Theatre 98’s web site HERE for ticket information and directions. And I promise, you will absolutely, positively have one of the best times ever at Ripcord.
This reminds me that I need to go to our local community theater more often!!!
It’s always a good idea.
Oh shoot, I would have loved to go to this, but I have to go back north for a couple weeks on Monday, boo hoo! I love Theatre 98!
The cast will miss you, for sure. Next time.
Is this a theater in your town?…If so, once again your town amazes me. As far as a nursing home, my mother was in assisted living for about the last two years of her life…she went in kicking and screaming, but there were some great stories from the dining hall, bingo, and volleyball with a balloon.
Yes, Theatre 98 is in Fairhope and is an old church they’ve renovated to have seats on three sides of the stage. It’s very intimate and makes for interesting performances. Nursing homes are full of emotions, that’s for sure. Usually though, they have very loving staff members who do a great job . . . with balloon volleyball and such!
I can remember the first time I saw live theatre . There is nothing like it to compare.
Sounds like a wonderful evening. Fairhope is so fortunate to have such talent.
You are absolutely right on all accounts!
I know I would love this…sounds funny and entertaining. If only I lived closer!
Road trip!
Looks like a great show and a fun evening, Leslie Anne. Have a great weekend.
Thanks Katie. It was a blast. Hope your weekend is wonderful!