Calliope Auditions: Ripcord
a comedy by David Lindsay-Abaire

Ripcord is a poignant comedy about relationships, aging, and resilience.

Abby, a sharp-tongued and cantankerous resident of the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility, is horrified when cheerful newcomer Marilyn moves in as her roommate. Determined to get rid of this infuriatingly chipper woman and reclaim the room for herself, Abby makes a bet with Marilyn that leads to a hilarious battle of wits and pranks. However, what begins as a lighthearted competition escalates into a dangerous game of one-upmanship that reveals deeper truths, forcing each woman to confront and overcome her own vulnerabilities.

Cast

  • 3 presenting as female
  • 3 presenting as male

    • Actors for roles in this production will be selected on the basis of the demonstrated performance skills, regardless of their gender identity/expression, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, or any disability.

     

    Director

    Dave Ludt
     

    Rehearsals

    Rehearsals will be Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings beginning Sunday, January 4, 2026.
     

    Location

    All rehearsals and performances will be at Calliope Theatre, 150 Main Street, Boylston, MA
     

    Performances

    March 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 (Thu. – Sat. at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm)

    Audition Dates

    • Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    • Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    Auditions will consist of cold readings from the play.

    Access the script at: https://www.scribd.com/document/491260413/ripcord

    Auditionees will be expected to have read the script before auditioning.

     
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    Characters

    Abby Binder (Lead Role, 60s-70s): A sarcastic, cranky, and irritable retired schoolteacher who values solitude and resents Marilyn’s presence. A loner at heart, she has a dry wit and bitter streak and harbors unresolved issues with her son Benjamin.

    Marilyn Dunne (Lead Role, 60s-70s): Warm, bubbly, and indefatigably positive, Marilyn is the perfect foil to Abby’s cold and negative behavior. However, her cheerful demeanor covers up a sharp competitive drive and a mischievous spirit.

    Scotty (Supporting Role, 20s-30s): A friendly and hard-working aide at Bristol Place, who is upbeat, compassionate, and determined to mediate between Abby and Marilyn. He is also an amateur actor who enthusiastically takes on several roles in a haunted house scene.

    Colleen (Supporting Role, 30s-40s): Marilyn’s caring and lively daughter, who is upbeat and supportive and shares her mother’s competitive streak and prankster personality. This actor doubles as The Woman in White in the haunted house scene.

    Derek (Supporting Role, 30s-40s): Colleen’s loyal and easy-going husband, Derek is supportive of Marilyn and Colleen and have enjoys a playful side. This actor plays The Zombie Butler in the haunted house scene and The Masked Man in a scene in the park.

    Benjamin (Supporting Role, 30s-40s): Abby’s estranged son, who is struggling to rebuild his relationship with her after overcoming addiction. Benjamin is remorseful, caring, and eager to prove himself. This actor also portrays The Clown in the haunted house scene and Lewis the Instructor in the sky-diving scene.