Play Summary

Ripcord by David Lindsay-Abaire is a comedy that unfolds in the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility. The play centers on the contentious relationship between two elderly roommates, the fiercely private and curmudgeonly Abby Binder, and the relentlessly cheerful newcomer Marilyn Dunne.  

Abby has enjoyed having a private room for years by making herself unpleasant to any potential roommates. However, her solitary existence is disrupted when the optimistic Marilyn is assigned to her space. Immediately, Abby tries her usual tactics to drive Marilyn away, but Marilyn’s unwavering positivity proves to be an unexpected challenge.  

Fueled by Abby’s desire for solitude and Marilyn’s wish for the coveted bed by the window, the two women engage in a seemingly harmless bet: if Abby can make Marilyn angry, Marilyn will move out. Conversely, if Marilyn can scare the seemingly unflappable Abby, she gets the window bed.  

This simple wager escalates into an outrageous and increasingly dangerous series of pranks and one-upmanship. Their escalating antics involve the facility’s aide, Scotty, and even their respective families, revealing deeper truths and hidden vulnerabilities beneath their hardened exteriors. As their battle intensifies, the play explores themes of aging, the fear of vulnerability, the search for happiness in later life, and the unexpected connections that can form even in the most unlikely circumstances. The humor is sharp and often physical, but the play also delves into poignant moments as the women confront their pasts and present realities.  

Characters

Primary Roles

Abby Binder

Resident of Briston Place Assisted Living. Sharp-tongued and fiercely independent. She values her privacy and routine above all else (which Marilyn threatens). She’s basically given up on joy and connection, and will use manipulation to get her way. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, and sometimes she’s downright mean.

Marilyn Dunne

A cheerful and relentlessly optimistic new resident at Bristol Place. She is warm, friendly, and eager to connect with others. Her determination to connect with Abby fuels their intense competition. Despite hardships she may have faced in her past, Marilyn strives to maintain a sunny disposition and a hopeful outlook on life. 

Scotty

A good-natured aid at Bristol Place, and a struggling actor on the side. He genuinely strives to care about the residents, and make their lives at Bristol Place comfortable and engaged. He gets caught in the middle of Abby and Marilyn’s feud, challenging his relationship with them and his own ethics.

Secondary Roles

Note: Actors in secondary roles might play more than one character. Or, if many people audition, smaller roles might be cast as separate individuals, to allow as many people to participate as possible.

Colleen

Marilyn’s daughter. She is upbeat, practical, up for adventure, and supports her mom at all costs — perhaps a little too much. She’s happy to assist her mom in the competition with Abby, resulting in some seriously sketchy situations.

Derek

Marilyn’s son-in-law. Derek supports his wife and Marilyn and cares about their well-being. He becomes entangled in the escalating competition between Abby and Marilyn, so although he’s genuinely well-meaning, he begins to question whether the whole thing has seriously gone too far.

Benjamin

Abby’s estranged son. A mysterious figure who appears later in the play, in the context of Abby and Marilyn’s escalating “game.” Benjamin has made great strides in turning his life around, but his mom’s resignation and bitterness creates a chasm between them that they both may not be able to overcome.

Smaller Roles

Note: Smaller roles might be played by Secondary Characters, depending on how many people audition.

Lewis

Marilyn’s son. Skydiving instructor. Drawn into a pivotal moment in Abby and Marilyn’s competition.

Zombie Butler

Friend of Scotty’s. An actor working at a Halloween haunted house, and Abby and Marilyn’s guide through the bizarre and surreal experience.

Clown

Friend of Scotty’s. An actor working at a Halloween haunted house. Creates a creepy and scary experience for Abby and Marilyn.

Woman In White

Friend of Scotty’s. An actor working at a Halloween haunted house. She creates a haunting scene trying to protect her infant from the lurking demons. She’s integral in creating the first moment we see of Abby responding differently than her usual bitterness, sarcasm, and eye-rolling.