The author of A Thousand Clowns brings us another set of the particular creatures that are New Yorkers. I’m Not Rappaport takes place under a bridge in Central Park, where two octogenarians – one white, one black – meet regularly, determined to fight off all attempts to put them out to pasture. Nat is a cantankerous Communist whose daughter is urging him into the old folks’ home. Midge, an apartment superintendent spends his days in the park hiding in the past, and hiding from his disgruntled tenants.
I’m Not Rappaport premiered on Broadway at the Booth Theatre on 19 November 1985. Directed by Daniel Sullivan, the production featured Judd Hirsch, Cleavon Little, Jace Alexander, Gregg Almquist, Liann Pattison, Mercedes Ruehl and Steve Ryan. In 1996, the play was adapted into a film starring Walter Matthau and Ossie Davis. A Broadway revival premiered again at the Booth Theatre on 25 July 2002. Directed again by Daniel Sullivan, this production featured Judd Hirsch reprising the role of Nat alongside Ben Vereen, Anthony Arkin, Steven Boyer, Jeb Brown, Tanya Clarke and Mimi Lieber.