Ripcord took the stage for Student/Press Night on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025. Local critic Ben Sharp penned a review just in time for Opening Night:

The Plaza Theatre’s Ripcord is like a delightful blend of The Odd Couple, The Golden Girls and Three’s Company.

Set to run from April 4 through April 13, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, the show is a raucous look at what happens when two diametrically opposed personalities are forced to occupy the same living quarters. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, the comedy is presented by Socha Enterprises Inc. and Vonderau Ford of El Campo.

The production is directed by powerhouse Plaza veterans Jami Hughes and Jenna Crowell. Both have a wealth of experience on-stage and in the director’s chair, and that combined knowledge reveals itself in all aspects of the performance. From a gorgeous set to precisely set lighting to a sardonic soundtrack (songs that laud friendship), Ripcord is a clear example of just how talented The Plaza Theatre’s cadre really is.

Assisted living center orderly Scotty (Reagan Wrench) tries to remain impartial during a volatile discussion between roommates Marilyn (Merrily Bieltz) and Abby (Quinn Wrench). “Ripcord” is being performed at the Plaza Theatre April 4th – 13th, 2025. For tickets visit www.whartonplazatheatre.org or call 979-282-2226. Photos by Sharon Joines.

Set in an assisted living center, the story follows the escapades of two women forced to endure each other’s contrasting personalities and preferences. Abby Binder is the grumpy, depressed, “glass half empty” type who spends her days complaining about the effects of time on herself and the world around her. Roommate Marilyn Dunne is the quintessential optimist, finding joy and excitement in the most mundane details of life due to her natural “glass half full” perspective. To say the two are not the most idyllic bedfellows is an understatement of epic proportions.

Long-time Plaza veteran Quinn Wrench tackles the role of Abby Binder and does a fantastic job. Her mood, line delivery, body language, and facial expressions really make the audience believe that she is angry, spiteful and downtrodden, destined to spend her twilight years mourning for the life that never was.

Merrily Bieltz makes her debut in a principal role as Marilyn Dunne, and her dazzling smile, high-pitched voice and energetic demeanor are a perfect contrast to Quinn Wrench’s doom and gloom outlook. Bieltz absolutely shines in the role, her stage presence mesmerizing. The interplay between the two actresses is so natural it seems almost unscripted, and it’s hard to imagine how much time and effort went into making it that way. Although there was the periodic faux pas — a few dropped lines and some miscues — overall the pair does an incredible job. I would love to see them team up on other productions in the future.

In one of the most creative scenes of “Ripcord,” passengers prepare to skydive out of an airplane. Pictured, from left, are Abby (Quinn Wrench), Derek (Sammuel Robinson), Lewis (Danté Hancock), Colleen (Maci Bolletino) and Marilyn (Merrily Bieltz). “Ripcord” is being performed at the Plaza Theatre April 4th – 13th, 2025. For tickets visit www.whartonplazatheatre.org or call 979-282-2226. Photos by Sharon Joines.

In addition to the two primary actresses, the cast is comprised of only four other actors. Most are well known on the Plaza stage, like Reagan Wrench, who is downright hilarious in the role of orderly Scotty. An aspiring actor, Scotty at one point convinces the ladies to attend a “performance” at a haunted house, where he plays the part of a criminal strapped to an electric chair. Although the scary set is visually impressive and the portrayals by the haunted house ghouls (played by Reagan Wrench, Danté Hancock and Sammuel Robinson) are energetic, the scene felt oddly out of place, a reflection more of the play’s script than any fault on the part of the actors or directors.

Speaking of the set, Ripcord utilizes space cleverly, with two-sided movable panels creating the illusion of various locations. One of the best is the interior of an airplane, where several of the characters await a skydiving session (hence the play’s title). The use of umbrellas and office chairs to simulate the freefall was ingenious.

Abby (Quinn Wrench) looks for cash during a mock robbery orchestrated by mask-wearing Derek (Sammuel Robinson). “Ripcord” is being performed at the Plaza Theatre April 4th – 13th, 2025. For tickets visit www.whartonplazatheatre.org or call 979-282-2226. Photos by Sharon Joines.

One of the Plaza’s budding stars, Danté Hancock, makes several appearances in the comedy, playing the roles of Benjamin, Lewis and a haunted house clown. Benjamin is Abby Binder’s estranged son, and the scene with Hancock and Quinn Wrench — an attempt of the son to reconnect with his mother — is the most poignant of the play. Hancock is especially emotive in his performances, and it was impossible to not feel the shame, guilt and longing for reconciliation that his character was experiencing.

Rounding out the cast is Maci Bolletino and Sammuel Robinson. Both El Campo High School students, the pair is nothing short of spectacular. Playing several side characters, Bolletino and Robinson were near perfect in their line delivery, timing and energy. Their charisma and chemistry were entirely believable, and I found myself anticipating the moments when they would grace the stage. I have no doubt that both young actors will accomplish great things in the future.

Although the play is mostly appropriate for all ages, I might suggest parents consider leaving the youngsters at home. There are several moments of explicit language (delivered at a rather loud volume) and a sprinkling of sexual innuendo, particularly in the second act. Although younger audience members will likely miss the meaning behind some of these scenes, it might be worth it to hire a babysitter for the night.

Marilyn (Merrily Bieltz) comments on their room’s window light during the first act of The Plaza Theatre’s Ripcord. Roommate Abby (Quinn Wrench) looks on in the background. “Ripcord” is being performed at the Plaza Theatre April 4th – 13th, 2025. For tickets visit www.whartonplazatheatre.org or call 979-282-2226. Photos by Sharon Joines.

Production credits include Sarah Wilkins as technical director, Ryan Martin as casting assistant and stage manager, Kenny Socha on lights, Leanna Shimek on sound design and sound board, Jenna Crowell and Lisette Vargas on costumes, Al Folmar on props and makeup, Jami Hughes on box office/house management, Quinn Wrench on concessions management, Russell Kacer on communications and Sharon Joines on photography.

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ABOUT BEN SHARP: Benjamin Sharp is the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Advancement for Wharton County Junior College. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and lives in Wharton with his wife, Kristen, and their three kids, Madalyn, Andrew and Matthew.