I'm Not Rappaport

by Herb Gardner

Two elderly men, Nat Moyer, a Jewish radical, and Midge Carter, a Black superintendent meet each day on a bench in Central Park

Genres: Plays, Drama, Theatre

88 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Christopher Madsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good play about two older men coming to terms with aging and irrelevance in a predatory, changing culture. Also asks "who are we really when it's all said and done?" Definately a play fom it's era , the 80s, in style and feel with lots of long speeches. I would love to see it performed.

[Martin Denton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm Not Rappaport tells the story of a pair of men in their eighties, as different from one another as they can be except for the crucial fact that neither is at all interested in being put out to pasture. Unfortunately, that's exactly what circumstances are conspiring to force on both of them: Nat's well-meaning but emotionally distant daughter, Clara, is exasperated by her father's apparent inability to care for himself and wants to consign him, at the very least, to a senior citizen's center; and Midge, who cherishes his undemanding position as night superintendent at an apartment house, is about to be fired.

Nat is, by nature, a dreamer and a schemer, and so he responds to both his and Midge's dilemmas by hatching impulsive, even far-fetched plots involving a made-up activist organization called HURTSFOE (for Human Rights Strike Force) and a made-up illegitimate daughter who lives in Israel. He also embroils himself and Midge in a battle between a greedy drug dealer and a pretty client who has fallen behind on her payments. The fact that Nat's righteous actions don't always accomplish what they're intended to doesn't make him any less quixotically heroic. For Nat is, above all, a splendid hero: a man of valor and principle and unshakable morality, for all his impetuous deviousness.

Here, in part, is some of what Nat says to his daughter after she upbraids him for trying to start a protest against high prices at a Gristede's grocery store:

My enemies, I don't forget; I cherish them like my friends, so I know what to do....The proper response to the outrages is still to be outraged. To be outraged!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! I have been wanting to read this play for years, and I (Finally!) found a copy in a used book store in Fort Wayne IN. The play centers around two elderly gentlemen who spend a good portion of their day hanging around in Central Park in NYC. As the story progresses, the two reveal more and more of themselves to each other, and move between sincere friendship and volcanic urges to kill one another. The play is by turns comedic and dramatic, without venturing far enough into either genre for easy classification. It finally turns truly moving toward the end of the second act, during the final dialogue between Nat and his daughter, who dearly loves her father in spite of how regularly he exasperates her. I have spent 43 years involved in various capacities in amateur theatrics, and what a privilege it would be to bring this play to life locally.

[Ena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This play deserved the Tony it won. Love the small cast, heavily focused on Midge and Nat. A stiff look at aging. The conditions that your body develops, which prevents you from engaging with the world in the ways you are accustomed. How the callous nature of American society is shoving you aside to make way for modernity without any provisions for your future despite all you’ve given. The rightful fear that if you stop living that you will start dying.
However, some of the unquestioned parent child dynamic with Midge guilting Nat about that is ridiculous. How dare your child threaten to take you to court to control your actions/the outcome of your life. That’s abuse. In any context. Period. It’s upsetting to see it unquestioned. Consequences come from everyone’s actions, but love doesn’t give anyone the right to control you.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious play that is funny on three different levels. I recalled seeing the movie when I was real young and not understanding a single thing. Had to find this after these recollections. What a heartwarming play- truly human.

[Brian McCann · Rating 2 out of 5]

A minor best play. Has some good solid moments, but not too satisfying on the whole.

[David Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet with a surprising bit of heft, but not nearly as treacly as I feared it would be.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful play that I enjoyed every word of. Very witty, very realistic story.

[Victoria & David Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most everything Herb Gardner writes is magic.

[John Geddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun show for two older actors, mostly dialogue.

2w/5m, single set (Central Park)

[Gregory Van Den Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to attend the play near me in one week. Judd Hirsch is reprising as Nat. The story was excellent. Can't wait to see the play. Enjoy the book

[Isaac Timm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised this play hasn't been read more, or commented on, it's very well realized piece. My only complaint is, like the movie, the conflict with the Cowboy seems a little unnecessary, it cuts into the some razor sharp dialogue, and isn't growing old and feeling invisible conflict enough? A very rewarding read, and I would very much like to see it preformed.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic - equal in social importance to A Thousand Clowns - and with a similar outlook on the failure of socialist idealism to thrive in capitalist Manhattan/USA. Retains the Murray Burns attitude toward seriousness vs. frivolity in the face of bureaucracy and blunt reality. A must-read. Also note that the entire play takes place on a bench in Central Park, in early October of 1982.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

1986 Tony Award winner. Very smart, funny, heart warming, with times of danger and romance - all centered around two octogenarians. It's a charming script. There is a great monologue for an older woman from Clara, as well.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sure this would be very entertaining to see. Two very good roles for older actors. Gardner has a great ear for what makes an eccentric character fun & memorable without being trite or obvious.