Quote of the Day: And what a world it would be if what was right was enough. Walter, in Between Riverside and Crazy, by Stephen Adly Guirgis, directed by Stephen DiMenna, on stage at Park Square Theatre through June 8, 2025.

Winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for drama, Between Riverside and Crazy is the kind of raw, emotional work that depicts the human experience. Harsh at times, it also conveys a sense of community, family love, and quest for justice. Walter (Emil Herrera) is a recently widowed retired NYPD officer. He’s been in litigation with the city for years over injuries he sustained from being shot by a rookie police officer  Accidently, maybe.  Racially motivated? likely. Was he in the wrong place at the wrong time? Yes.

Emil Herrera and José Sabillón in Between Riverside and Crazy at Park Square Theatre, thru 6/8/25. Photo: Dan Norman

The play opens with Walter sitting at the breakfast table with Oswaldo (José Sabillón) who is a friend of his son Junior (Darius Dotch). Junior met Oswaldo in prison. They’re both out now, and trying for a cleaner life. Try being the operative word. Despite his curmudgeonly demeaner, Walter has a soft spot for certain people and welcomes them into his home, a rent controlled apartment in Manhattan. Also living in the apartment is Junior’s girlfriend Lulu (Isabella Dunseith). She, both the character and the actor, has tremendous self-confidence about herself and her body, walking around the apartment in a tank top and underwear, saying whatever comes to mind, and maybe being a little manipulative with those words. 

Darius Dotch, Isabella Dunsieth, Laura Esping, Terry Hempleman, Emil Herrera in Between Riverside and Crazy at Park Square Theatre, thru 6/8/25. Photo: Dan Norman

As the family, and chosen family, navigate their relationships and various ways of coping with life and obtaining money, Walter continues to pursue justice for his injuries, as well as grieve his recently deceased wife. Two of his former co-workers Lieutenant Caro (Terry Hempleman) and Detective Audrey O’Connor (Laura Esping) visit him. At first it seems like a friendly visit. Old friends having dinner. But, then Caro brings up the lawsuit and tries to convince Walter to drop it, or take the settlement offer. People get pissed off. 

Junior strives for honesty and affection with his father while pursuing questionable money schemes. Lulu craves security within the family. Walter wants justice. And, Oswaldo struggles to maintain sobriety. A church lady (Kiko Laureano) visits Walter, and she has her own desires to fulfill. The entire play shows the struggles of real people and what means they use to get by in this world. I found the ending to be very satisfying.

Kiko Laureano and Emil Herrera in Between Riverside and Crazy at Park Square Theatre, thru 6/8/25. Photo: Dan Norman

This play is expertly directed by Stephen DiMenna with an excellent cast. It’s so well acted that it felt very real, like we were eavesdropping on our neighbors in an adjacent apartment. I loved the set – cutout of a NYC apartment complete with a fire escape balcony and so many details from life – Christmas decorations, boxes, games, puzzles, an old stereo, and the kind of furniture you’d expect from a place that they’ve lived in for a long time. Set design by Benjamin Olsen. Costumes by Matt LeFebvre. Sound design by Fred Kennedy, and Lighting design by Marcus Dillard. Technical director is Erin Gustafson.

Cast and crew of Between Riverside and Crazy at Park Square Theatre, thru 6/8/25. Photo: Dan Norman

You can see this award-winning play with humor, heart, and grit at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul, MN through June 8, 2025. Bring a friend or two, this one will make you want to discuss its many themes long after the show is over. 

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