Public Theatre director
promises hilarity, heart

LEWISTON  — Imagine  “The Odd Couple” meets “The Golden Girls,” when two mismatched roommates wage war with each other over the most desirable room in their Retirement Home in the hilarious new comedy “Ripcord,” playing May 5-14 at The Public Theatre.

 A sunny room on an upper floor of the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility is considered prime real estate. So, when Abby is forced to share her room with an infuriatingly chipper woman named Marilyn, she decides to get rid of her by any means possible. However, Marilyn loves her new room so much that not only does she refuse to leave, but she’s now asking for Abby’s bed by the window! Battle lines are soon drawn as these two new roommates make a bet with each other to determine who will get the living situation of their choice.

This is the  New England premiere of this recent Off-Broadway hit by Pulitzer Prize-winning author of  “Fuddy Meers,” and “Good People.”  

“I love the way this hilarious comedy simultaneously packs a heartfelt punch,” director Christopher Schario said. He also believes that watching each woman get pushed beyond her comfort zone and bouncing back even stronger is a valuable reminder that we’re never too old to keep growing and learning new things about ourselves. 

Voted the “Best theatre in Maine” four years in a row by Down East Magazine, The Public Theatre brings the talent from Broadway and beyond to Lewiston. 

Five of the six actors are New-York based professionals who have previously performed at The Public Theatre. The role of “crabby” Abby will be played by Cecilia Riddett and her chipper new roommate, Marilyn, by Maura O’Brien.

Marilyn’s visiting daughter and son-in-law will be played by Heather Dilly and Torsten Hillhouse, and Scotty, the retirement home worker, will be played by Mike Anthony. The role of Abby’s son Benjamin will be played by Portland-based actor Rob Cameron.

The Public Theatre’s Annual Silent Auction will be held in the lobby during the run of the production. The Wine-Down Thursday performance, featuring a free-pre-show wine sampling hosted by Rails Restaurant, will start at 6:30 p.m. in the theatre’s lobby on Thursday, May 11. A free post-show discussion featuring the cast and director will directly follow the Sunday, May 7, performance.

“Ripcord” runs May 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., with an extra Saturday matinee on May 13 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for those 18 and under. For tickets call 782-3200 or visit www.thepublictheatre.org. The theater is at 31 Maple St.

Cecelia Riddett as Abby and Maura O’Brien as Marilynn in The Public Theatre’s production of “Ripcord,” opening Friday, May 5.

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