Rip-Off - an article by Jo-Ann Nicolosi

Ciao! A beautiful trip to Naples inspired the upcoming UFT Players annual board show, Rip-Off, to be presented December 6th and 7th at 50 Broadway, 2nd floor at 6pm. Barbara Haspel, the playwright and musical director, lived and performed in Rome for nine years. Her experiences there were so memorable that she, along with the musical collaboration of Milton Polsky and the writing collaboration of Tasha Paley, Milton Polsky and Warren Wyss, wrote Rip-Off.

Director Warren Wyss feels the play is based on Barbara's experiences and includes encounters seniors face in daily life. "Crime is always in the news," said Barbara, "I decided to write a play about it...with a happy ending."

The Rip-Off audience will experience the streets of Naples through the lenses of senior citizen tourists. Of course there are ups and downs in Rip-Off but the ending is truly heartwarming and positive. "The talents of the UFT Players vary," said Warren, "but we all commit ourselves to doing the best we can....even better!" So, expect to see great singing, dancing, colorful costumes and acting from the cast of this colorful play.

The UFT Players is a Professional Committee within the UFT that has been in existence for 26 years and has more than 200 productions to its credit. The UFT Players Executive Board thanks George Altomare, a UFT founder and Professional Committee Co-ordinator, for his continued support and guidance. The Players also thank the UFT for rehearsal and performance space.

The Executive Board of the UFT Players looks forward to entertaining its audiences on December 6th and 7th at 50 Broadway, 2nd floor, at 6pm. Ciao!

Jo-Ann Nicolosi