Dreamcatcher presents a virtual reading of ‘Ripcord’

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, the professional theater in residence at Oakes Center in Summit, presented a virtual reading of David Lindsay-Abaire’s play “Ripcord” for the Livingston Public Library on Zoom on Friday, July 17, at 1 p.m. The video will then be available through July 24.

During the time of the coronavirus, professional theaters are unable to present live performances for live audiences safely, but Dreamcatcher is among the many organizations who are providing entertainment and programs in innovative ways. Through an agreement with the Theatre Authority of Actors’ Equity Association, professional theaters can create virtual performances of a limited duration for the benefit of nonprofit organizations. Although this is a free program, Dreamcatcher encourages viewers to donate to the Friends of the Livingston Library.

A Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright, Lindsay-Abaire originally wrote “Ripcord” for the Manhattan Theater Club in 2015. In the play, a sunny room on an upper floor is prime real estate in the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility, so when the cantankerous Abby is forced to share her quarters with the new arrival, Marilyn, she has no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman by any means necessary. A seemingly harmless bet between the old women quickly escalates into a dangerous game of one-upmanship that reveals not just the tenacity of these worthy opponents, but also deeper truths that each would rather remain hidden. 

Directed by Laura Ekstrand of Livingston, this comedy features a cast of Michael Aquino of Bloomfield, Noreen Farley of Clinton, Shabazz Green of Summit, Ben Kaufman of New York, Beth Painter of Westfield and Terri Sturtevant of Hillsborough. Registration is required online at senior happening.livingston library.org. For more information or assistance, email [email protected]. Senior Happening is made possible in part by funds from the Essex County Division of Cultural Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

For information on any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre’s programs, visit www.dreamcatcherrep.org or call 908-514-9654.

  Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, Livingston Public Library