I'm Not Rappaport

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I'm Not Rappaport is a Tony Award-winning play by Herb Gardner.

Inspired by two elderly men Gardner met in New York City's Central Park, it focuses on Nat Moyer, a cantankerous Jew, and Midge Carter, a feisty African-American, who spend their days sitting on a bench, trying to mask the horrible realities of aging, mainly through the tall tales that Nat spins. The play touches on several issues, including society’s treatment of the aging, the difficulties dealing with adult children who think they know what's best for their parents, and the dangers that lurk in urban areas.

Its title comes from an old vaudeville joke, a variation of which evolved into dialogue between the two protagonists:

  • Nat: Hey, Rappaport! I haven't seen you in ages. How have you been?
  • Midge: I'm not Rappaport.
  • Nat: Rappaport, what happened to you? You used to be a short fat guy, and now you're a tall skinny guy.
  • Midge: I'm not Rappaport.
  • Nat: Rappaport, you used to be a young guy with a beard, and now you're an old guy with a mustache.
  • Midge: I'm not Rappaport.
  • Nat: Rappaport, how has this happened? You used to be a cowardly little white guy, and now you're a big imposing black guy.
  • Midge: I'm not Rappaport.
  • Nat: And you changed your name, too!

Originally presented by Seattle Repertory Theatre, the first Broadway production, directed by Daniel Sullivan, opened on November 19, 1985 at the Booth Theatre, where it ran for 891 performances. The cast included Judd Hirsch, Cleavon Little, Jace Alexander, and Mercedes Ruehl. Hirsch was awarded the Tony Award as Best Actor in a play, and the play itself won for its lighting design and as Best Play.

After fifteen previews, a revival, again directed by Sullivan, opened on July 25, 2002 at the Booth, where it ran for 53 performances. Hirsch reprised his role and was joined by Ben Vereen.

The 1996 film version, written and directed by Gardner, starred Walter Matthau, Ossie Davis, Amy Irving, Craig T. Nelson, Martha Plimpton, and Ron Rifkin.

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