There are dog lovers and cat lovers. There are people who want to socialize and others who want to (or at least say they want to) be alone.
In Christian O’Reilly’s short but sweet play “Chapatti,” we get them all – in 90 minutes, with two (or four, depending on how you count) human characters and numbers of imaginary cats and dogs, in a charming mixture of heartache, despair and gentle comedy.
“Chapatti” stars Robert May and Grace Delaney and plays through Feb. 25 at Scripps Ranch Theatre.
Robert May plays dog owner Dan, a widower and former construction worker described in the cast list as “a man who has a dog.” The dog, Chapatti, an unseen mutt apparently named for the Indian flatbread chapati, seems to be a friendly sort.
The other human character is Betty, a cat lady with 19 felines, played by Grace Delaney. Betty has more than a little trouble just keeping track of all those cats, but she tries by stuffing many of them into a large box. She also has a friend named Peggy (whom Delaney also alternates in playing). But Betty also yearns for male human companionship.
May and Delaney offer excellent and even charming portrayals of two seniors who yearn for but are unsure how to find human connection.
Dan is tired of waiting and has decided to leave Dublin, and puts up an ad for Chapatti in the local veterinarian’s office. But before he leaves, Dan and Betty do finally meet by chance, and we (by now totally involved in their doings) begin to root for them to get together. Will they? We, the audience, certainly hope so.
“Chapatti” is a play like no other. It really must be seen. Don’t miss it.
Bravi tutti at Scripps Ranch Theatre for a delightful, charming, even inspiring evening of theater.
The details
“Chapatti” plays through February 25, 2024 at Scripps Ranch Theatre, 10455 Pomerado Road, on the campus of Alliant International University.
Performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets: https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/tickets or (858) 395-0573
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