AS IF THEATRE COMPANY "Ripcord" March 20 - April 6, 2025 Review from March 21, 2025
RIPCORD
By David Lindsay-Abaire
Directed by Chris Shea
As If Theatre Company
Kenmore Community Club
Kenmore, WA
March 21, 2025 - 7:30pm Performance Review
Spring is here and that means a new production at As If Theatre Company. Based out of Kenmore, WA, the company has consistently been putting on some of the best theatre productions in the greater Seattle area. I’ve attended every single one of the full length productions so I would know.
The current show is the comedic drama, “Ripcord” by David Lindsay-Abaire (of “Kimberly Akimbo” fame). As always I tend to not go over plot details but in short the play is about two elderly women who share a room together in a senior facility. One doesn’t like the other and eventually a bet is made between the two women to settle the score.
The show is funny. There were several moments where I laughed out loud (as did many audience members). Mary Machala as Abby and Susan Finque as Marilyn showed up and reminded everyone, you only get better with experience. They made everything look effortless (which it clearly is not) and that’s just another testament to their masterclass skill levels as performers.
I’ve seen and enjoyed BJ Smyth at two Phoenix Theatre shows so I was pleasantly surprised when he stepped out on stage for his first scene. He has great comedic timing, facial expressions, and voice delivery and his performance as Scotty on Friday night was no exception.
The cast was rounded out by Christopher Martinez, Ashlie Blaske, and Brian Pucheu who all played multiple roles throughout the production. I was especially happy to see “Mr. Darcy” as part of this cast as I’ve admired Brian’s work via all three of the “Pemberley” shows he’s been a part of over the years at Taproot Theatre.
One of the trademarks for lack of a better term of As If Theatre productions is the blending of comedy, day to day living, and serious dramatic moments. All but one of the shows I’ve reviewed there since they opened their doors has featured these three traits (among others of course). Toward the end of Act II, the audience was in full don’t breathe mode as the characters on stage dug deep to show the emotional impact of the scene(s). A few minutes later, a line would break the stillness of the air in the room and laughter would erupt. As If Theatre does this better than almost any other theatre company in the area. The veteran talent on stage and off stage really shine in every production they put on.
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. If you’re looking for quality theatre at an affordable price, you can never go wrong with a show at As If Theatre Company. You are in the best of hands as a patron and I challenge you to go out and see one of their performances and report back to me with your thoughts.
Yes, I’m that confident that you will enjoy the experience. I’ll be here waiting.
Recommended!
Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
By David Lindsay-Abaire
Directed by Chris Shea
As If Theatre Company
Kenmore Community Club
Kenmore, WA
March 21, 2025 - 7:30pm Performance Review
(Photo by: Christine Mitchell - House Tornado (c) 2025)
Spring is here and that means a new production at As If Theatre Company. Based out of Kenmore, WA, the company has consistently been putting on some of the best theatre productions in the greater Seattle area. I’ve attended every single one of the full length productions so I would know.
The current show is the comedic drama, “Ripcord” by David Lindsay-Abaire (of “Kimberly Akimbo” fame). As always I tend to not go over plot details but in short the play is about two elderly women who share a room together in a senior facility. One doesn’t like the other and eventually a bet is made between the two women to settle the score.
The show is funny. There were several moments where I laughed out loud (as did many audience members). Mary Machala as Abby and Susan Finque as Marilyn showed up and reminded everyone, you only get better with experience. They made everything look effortless (which it clearly is not) and that’s just another testament to their masterclass skill levels as performers.
I’ve seen and enjoyed BJ Smyth at two Phoenix Theatre shows so I was pleasantly surprised when he stepped out on stage for his first scene. He has great comedic timing, facial expressions, and voice delivery and his performance as Scotty on Friday night was no exception.
The cast was rounded out by Christopher Martinez, Ashlie Blaske, and Brian Pucheu who all played multiple roles throughout the production. I was especially happy to see “Mr. Darcy” as part of this cast as I’ve admired Brian’s work via all three of the “Pemberley” shows he’s been a part of over the years at Taproot Theatre.
One of the trademarks for lack of a better term of As If Theatre productions is the blending of comedy, day to day living, and serious dramatic moments. All but one of the shows I’ve reviewed there since they opened their doors has featured these three traits (among others of course). Toward the end of Act II, the audience was in full don’t breathe mode as the characters on stage dug deep to show the emotional impact of the scene(s). A few minutes later, a line would break the stillness of the air in the room and laughter would erupt. As If Theatre does this better than almost any other theatre company in the area. The veteran talent on stage and off stage really shine in every production they put on.
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. If you’re looking for quality theatre at an affordable price, you can never go wrong with a show at As If Theatre Company. You are in the best of hands as a patron and I challenge you to go out and see one of their performances and report back to me with your thoughts.
Yes, I’m that confident that you will enjoy the experience. I’ll be here waiting.
Recommended!
Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
(All photos by: Christine Mitchell - House Tornado (c) 2025)
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