Between Riverside and Crazy Tickets

The play "Between Riverside and Crazy" by Stephen Adly Guirgis is a powerful piece of theater that explores themes of loss, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. The play follows Walter "Pops" Washington, a retired police officer living in a rent-controlled apartment on Riverside Drive in New York City, as he struggles to keep his life together amidst personal tragedy and dysfunction within his family.

At its core, the play is a character study that delves into the minds and motivations of its central figures. Pops is a complex individual whose actions are often difficult to understand, yet his struggle to find meaning and purpose in his life resonates with audiences. The other characters in the play – including his son Junior, his former partner Oswaldo, and his parole officer – all have their own inner demons that they are grappling with, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

One of the most striking aspects of "Between Riverside and Crazy" is its use of language. Guirgis has a keen ear for dialogue and his characters speak in a way that feels authentic and true to life. The play is full of humor and wit, but it also deals with some heavy subject matter, such as addiction, racism, and police brutality. By blending humor and drama, the play creates a balance that keeps the audience engaged while still exploring serious social issues.

Another key element of the play is its setting. The rent-controlled apartment in which Pops lives is a tangible symbol of the changing face of New York City. As gentrification increases, working-class neighborhoods like Pops' are disappearing, forcing people like him out of their homes. This cultural shift is explored in the play through Pops' interactions with his white landlord and her art world friends, who represent a new, more affluent generation moving into the neighborhood.

Ultimately, "Between Riverside and Crazy" is a testament to the power of theater to illuminate the human experience. Through the struggles and triumphs of its characters, the play offers insight into the human condition, touching on issues that are both personal and universal. By using humor, drama, and richly drawn characters, "Between Riverside and Crazy" invites audiences to sympathize with these complex individuals, to see the world through their eyes, and to come away with a deeper understanding of what it means to be human.