If you go to one play this season, it has to be Scripps Ranch Theater's, I'm Not Rappaport. This is the best play I've seen in several years, so dial 858 578-7728 right now and then read this review.
Entering the theater, you are immediately struck by one of the messiest of unkempt stages. We are at the edge of a lake in Central Park, circa early 1980s. A large footbridge is in the background. Below the bridge, blocked by iron bars, is several years of trash build-up. Trees are to your left, and central is a lone park bench. Everything is ultra-neutral in a lack of defined color. Kudos to set designer Amy Gilbert Reams and construction manager Ted Crittenden and his large crew for a perfect environment.
The bench is soon occupied by an elderly white man, Nat (Charlie Riendeau), and an equally aging black man, Midge (Antonio "TJ" Johnson). These two are the most cantankerous characters you'll meet. For the next couple of hours they not only own the stage, they own the hearts and minds of the audience. We learn their lifestories. Nat is a story-teller, with truth being an occasional side benefit. Midge reveals a very serious problem in his life.
It would be a pleasure to watch these two interact just by themselves; however, playwright Herb Gardner delights us with contrasts. Pete Danforth (Max Macke) brings bad news for Midge. Alas, tall tale-telling Nat give Danforth a reality check...a reality check created in Nat's mind. Next on the scene is Gilley (Dylan Chouinard), a two-bit punk that hustles Midge for his daily payment to walk him home. Nat take umbrage with the arrangement and doesn't fare too well.
During much of the action, a lovely young woman, Laurie (Catherine Dupont), an artist, has been seated on the side of the bridge, drawing. She observes but comments only with her eyes and facial express. Her reactions enhance Nat and Midge's dialogue. Finally, she comes down to the bench.
A very businesslike Clara (Julie Anderson Sachs), Nat's daughter, in her stylishly cut suit, brings him great news for her, that is. She has found a place away from the park for him. He, of course, creates a situation, via his storytelling antics, that causes her to have a problem.
Laurie, a druggy, owes her pusher a considerable amount of money, money she doesn't have. The pusher, Cowboy (Reed Willard), is extremely bad news. He insists, in a very rough way, that she pay or else.
In each of the meetings, the supporting cast easily establishes who each is and their role in this drama. Danforth is just doing his job as a building manager. Laurie is an innocent who has made a serious mistake. Gilley is street wise making his pittance off 80-year-old men. Clara is a very concerned daughter. The Cowboy is scum.
Lisa Burgess' costumes help establish each character, with director Robert May casting a perfect blend of type and ability. Riendeau and TJ were born to play Nat and Midge. Again, this is the best show of this season, last season, and, probably, the season before that. Do not miss it.
