Ripcord features two seasoned actors in lead roles
Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT) begins its main stage season with Ripcord, beginning May 8 and running through May 23.
A sunny room on an upper floor of a retirement home is prime real estate, and the fiercely territorial Abby is none too pleased to find it assigned to a new roommate: the relentlessly cheerful Marilyn. In this sharp-witted comedy, what begins as a passive-aggressive battle of wills soon escalates into a no-holds-barred prank war. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, Ripcord is a heartfelt and hilarious story about second chances, unlikely friendships, and the surprises that come with growing older.
The lead roles in Ripcord will be played by two actors with incredible experience. Tricia Matthews will be playing the role of Marilyn and Kathleen M. Darcy will be playing the role of Abby.
Tricia Matthews is an accomplished actor and director. From 2005 to 2025, she was a member of the Resident Acting Company at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon Virginia acting and directing in over 110 productions and served as resident acting coach for many of those years. Most recently, she directed John Proctor is the Villain at Arizona Theatre Company and played Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret at the new Jenny Boyd Theatre in Knoxville.
“I have wanted to work at GVT since I first heard about it from Kim Morgan Dean,” says Tricia Matthews. “When I learned GVT was doing Ripcord I threw my hat in the ring because I love the play and knew that I would love working here. I have not been disappointed at all.”
Kathleen M. Darcy is stepping into the role of Abby in Ripcord, and couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity. Her career spans decades of film, television and stage. Some of her favorite roles on regional stages include Truvy in Steel Magnolias, Gloria in Sons of the Prophet, Katherine in The Perfect Ganesh and Maureen in The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Living in Los Angeles for 23 years she did her share of television work too. She’s been seen on Grey’s Anatomy, Glee, Weeds, CSI, Parks and Recreation and many others.
“After so much time acting in front of a camera, I am thrilled to be back in live theatre,” says Kathleen M. Darcy. “With the added bonus of the beautiful Greenbrier Valley, this experience is a respite from my busy Philadelphia area home.”
Tickets are available at gvtheatre.org, at the box office or by calling 304-645-3838.
About the Greenbrier Valley Theatre:
The State Professional Theatre of West Virginia is committed to its mission statement to create live, professional quality theatre in West Virginia and, through theatre, to enlighten, enrich, and enliven the life of our region. Throughout each year, GVT produces first-class theatrical productions featuring professional actors. Additionally, Greenbrier Valley Theatre offers a successful after-school drama program, a summer camp for children and teens, literary readings, live simulcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, special events and musical performances, art appreciation activities, lectures, discussions and workshops. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre is the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia. Learn more about GVT at www.gvtheatre.org.
