Experience the Magic: ‘Between Riverside and Crazy’ Debuts at the Gamm Theatre!

WARWICK — This month, Jeff Church, the artistic director of Pawtucket’s Burbage Theatre Company, is taking his turn at the Gamm Theatre. He’s directing “Between Riverside and Crazy,” a brilliant comedy-drama by Stephen Adly Guirgis that won the Pulitzer Prize.

The show begins tonight and will be running until March 9. Church describes the play as “funny, heartbreaking, incisive, and unapologetic.” He believes it’s a masterwork from one of America’s greatest playwrights.

The story revolves around Walter “Pops” Washington, a retired cop from New York City who recently lost his wife. Pops finds himself at a critical point in his life. He is living with his son, who has just been released from prison, while also battling a lawsuit against his former employer and trying to retain his rent-controlled apartment on Riverside Drive.

Church praises Guirgis for his unique style, explaining how he discovers the sacred in what many view as ordinary or even profane. The characters in this play are deeply complex, full of flaws and contradictions, which makes them relatable and human.

Church adds, “This is a showcase for a talented cast and crew. We expect a lively, thrilling night of theater. This play is a fantastic fit for The Gamm stage and a perfect addition to its fortieth anniversary celebration.”

In the production, Cliff Odle takes on the role of Pops, while Daniel Washington, new to The Gamm, portrays his son. The play tackles big themes, including racism and the significant impact of real estate on people’s lives.

If you’re in the area, “Between Riverside and Crazy” will be showing at The Gamm Theatre, located at 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Don’t miss the chance to see this compelling performance!