There is a pleasant surprise waiting out in West Boca where Glades Road meets the ‘Glades, for those who make the hike through mid-May. It’s the New Vista Theatre Company’s revival of “I’m Not Rappaport.”

The two old codgers still have miles left on them in the funny-sad 1986 Tony Award-winning Broadway play by Herb Gardner. But after two seasons, the New Vista Theatre Company is still trying to define its place, and space, in the too-large West Boca Performing Arts Center, the campus theater at West Boca High School. Could director Amy London pull off the complex humor and pathos in this emotional piece? The answer is yes, mostly.

On paper, “I’m Not Rappaport” seemed a perilous skate for the company and an odd casting vehicle for song-and-dance man Bruce Adler (London’s real-life spouse). His assignment as the crusty old socialist provocateur Nat, a signature (and Tony Award-winning) role for Judd Hirsch, is a bit of a stretch and it shows. Adler’s delivery was peppered with uncertainties on opening night, some but not all caused by technical glitches (and one thankfully short-lived breakdown).

The New Vista is pouring effort and expense into production value to fill the space and offer a big-ticket sense. Ian Almeida’s scenery is a near-perfect simulation of the original Broadway concept, requiring spot-on lighting shades provided by Ginny Adams. Paula Villar delivers just so on costumes, but Traci Almeida’s sound design prompts a few head scratches.

The full review is posted on the Sun-Sentinel's entertainment page here.

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