Review Fix chats with director Jake Lipman, who discusses “Ruby†and the impact she’d like it to have on audiences.
About the Production:
Ruby tells the story of one woman’s journey of emotions after a miscarriage. It explores how she tries to cope with her grief, body issues and anxiety. Part comedy, part tragedy, it examines how she tries to understand the loss, coupled with her continued desire to have a child, all the while surrounded by women who seem to have it all. But do they?
To Buy Tickets, Click Here.Â
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
Jake Lipman: RUBY, written and performed by Susan Gross, is an autobiographical one-woman show about the idiotic remarks she’s gotten about having kids, and how she’s handled a miscarriage, body issues, and anxiety with hope and humor. I think anyone can relate to her story who has ever wanted something, only to lose it suddenly.
Review Fix: What’s been your creative process?
Lipman: Susan came to me with the piece last fall and we talked about how to tell her story, which is just her onstage, in a way which conveys both her point of view and the many other people described in her piece. Every rehearsal is a fun experiment — how about we use a hospital gown from one vignette to be a bundled baby in another? Susan is a gifted storyteller who loves to try new things and find the funny moments amidst the sad ones.
Review Fix: What makes this different or special?
Lipman: RUBYÂ is a one-woman show, and the secret power of a well-told solo show is when the audience forgets it is just one person doing it all. It’s magic!
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Lipman: I was surprised that a piece about Susan’s miscarriage could be so funny and touching simultaneously. I’m not embarrassed to admit I still guffaw in a few places and I always cry at the end. It’s cathartic.
Review Fix: What is our goal for RUBY and the future?
Lipman: My goal is for Susan’s one night only performance to be brimming with a great audience who can laugh and relate to her story! Beyond Planet, we hope to turn it into a film and also take it to other festivals and venues!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Lipman: I am producing a new comedy, RELENTLESSLY PLEASANT, set in an all-female co-working space, for 14 shows Oct. 10-28, 2018 at Theatre 54 @ Shetler Studios. Please come check it out! (More at www.tictheater.com)
Leave a Reply