RIPCORD – Firehouse Theater
Ripcord – Firehouse Theater Company
Firehouse Theater Company closes its 2024-2025 season with a jubilant production of Ripcord, directed by Abby Apple Boes. David Lindsay-Abaire’s sharp, heartfelt dramedy shines in this lively staging, bringing both humor and emotional depth to the stage.
As the final show in a season already filled with exceptional productions and performances, Ripcord stands out for its poignant exploration of resilience, friendship, and the surprising ways we connect across generations. With a talented cast and smart direction, it delivers an engaging experience that leaves audiences laughing, reflecting, and fully immersed in its vibrant world.
From the moment the stage lights come up, we are introduced to a clash of personalities that is as timeless as it is inevitable, setting the stage for a compelling tug-of-war between solitude and companionship as seen through the eyes of Abby Binder (Darcy Kennedy), the sharp, no-nonsense veteran of Bristol Place Senior Living Facility, and Marylin Dunne (Colette Brown), the bright-eyed, ever-optimistic newcomer. Kennedy and Brown provide a strong foundation for the next two hours with equally dynamic performances. In addition, they capture an often-elusive sense of acting magic known simply as “chemistry,” playing off each other with great awareness and finesse.
At the cornerstone of the story is the fight over prime real estate in Bristol Place Senior Living Facility. Simply put, Abby prefers to live alone, while Marylin disrupts that possibility by being assigned to the second bed in Abby’s private sanctuary. All hell breaks loose when Marylin shows up with her over-the-top cheerfulness that is nothing less than fingernails on a chalkboard to Abby.
Scotty (Jozeph Mykeals), the resident aide specialist at Bristol, steps in to address the ongoing rivalry between the two octogenarians. Without much success, what unfolds in front of him is nothing short of the classic television program Family Feud. Mykeals provides the right mix of flirtatious charm with a strong arm needed to corral the two elderly inhabitants of the much-sought-after prime real estate.
Rounding out the ensemble with great versatility are Shanae Adams, Jysten Atom, and Jaylin Wiese, each bringing a dynamic range to the stage as they seamlessly transform into everything from zombies to clowns. Their commitment and physicality elevate every scene they touch. Wiese delivers a standout moment in the second act—his emotionally raw and deeply affecting portrayal of Benjamin leaves an indelible mark on the performance.
Although Ripcord boasts a mostly solid script, at times it echoes the rhythms of a television sitcom more than the richness of live theater. While this doesn’t exactly diminish the play’s deeper themes of resilience, surrender, and friendship, it does introduce tonal shifts that occasionally disrupt the flow. Still, the humor and heartfelt moments manage to shine through, ensuring that its emotional core remains intact despite the sometimes uneven terrain.
Director Abby Apple Boes has masterfully fine-tuned every nuance, shaping Ripcord into a joyous whirlwind of witty exchanges and unexpected bursts of zaniness. With a keen eye for pacing and chemistry, she brings the dynamic between the two central women into sharp focus, allowing the actors to play off each other with remarkable spontaneity. The production never falters in its emotional depth, with its hysterical humor seamlessly woven into the fabric of deeply relatable relationships, making every moment feel both wildly entertaining and profoundly resonant.
Ripcord offers two hours of theatrical delight, peppered with sharp wit and moments of unexpected introspection, offering something rewarding for both seasoned theatergoers and newcomers alike. With performances running through June 29, there’s still time to revel in the humor, connect with the heart, and discover the surprising depth this production has to offer.