Rivendell Theatre’s “Wipeout” with Celeste Williams, Meg Thalken, Cindy Gold/Photo: Jenn Udoni
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Common sense dictates that adventure is the domain of the young, and that people of a certain age are stuck in their ways and retired from growing physically and emotionally. Wrong!
“Wipeout,” written by Aurora Real de Asua and directed by Tara Mallen at Rivendell Theatre, is the story of three mature women adrift at sea and in life. Floating on surfboards far from shore, the elderly trio talk about their triumphs and tribulations of living to old age, told through bursts of comical and witty patter marked with moments of solemnity.
Nineteen-year-old hard-bodied surfing instructor Blaze (Glenn Obrero) speaks in surfing lingo and offers sage-like advice while taking the women one at a time to catch some waves, grab some “face” and watch out for the “shred” from reckless “groms.” The women waiting their turn in the lineup use these moments of isolation to get to the bottom of old issues that threaten their friendship.
Claudia (Celeste Williams) planned the excursion, thinking that, despite her nervous and phobic personality, an action-packed adventure might bring the friends closer together. But she harbors a secret about one of the others and lacks the courage to spit it out.
Less enthusiastic is waspish Wynn (Meg Thalken), who is upset over problems involving her third (or was it fourth?) marriage, masking her pain through verbal vulgarity and verbose obtuseness.
The third member of the cohort, Gary (Cindy Gold), comes in like a battleship with guns blazing. She’s loud, proud and ready to surf. But something about her is not quite right, the revelation of which makes for a conclusion that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Rivendell Theatre’s “Wipeout” with Cindy Gold, Glenn Obrero/Photo: Jenn Udoni
Mirthful and snappy quips and zingers make up the bulk of the women’s conversations and keep the show afloat. While serious topics act as tent poles for the plot, most of the interaction relies on jokes and absurdities delivered in a rapid and well-timed manner. Some of them are real gut-busters, like when Gary laments about wanting to surf as a kid, but that “my mother wouldn’t let me. She couldn’t take the patchouli!”
Scenic design by Caitlyn Girten and sound design by Victoria Delorio is creatively conceived. Characters lolling back and forth atop ironing boards attached to rolling chair bottoms adeptly simulates floating. Animated images of calm waters, rolling surf and the occasional flying seagull projected on a large screen in the background are timed to coincide with the sounds of crashing water and squawking birds. Two large ramps mimic colossal waves, their ascension being the final test for each woman. The sound and scenery make you feel like you, too, are adrift in the ocean.
“Wipeout” is a reminder that there is no age limit on adventure, and that personal growth is a lifelong endeavor. The ladies’ patter and poignant realizations are sure to make a splash with audiences.
“Wipeout” runs through April 6 at Rivendell Theatre, 5779 North Ridge. Showtimes are Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 4pm and 8pm. Tickets are $17-$39 at rivendelltheatre.org
