BETWEEN RIVERSIDE & CRAZY@2ND STAGE, Crazy Good

Stephen Guirgis' (Our Lady of 121st St) new play is a perplexing good time.  The characters are either bona fide criminals, addicts or delusional regarding their self-importance.  Pops (Stephen Henderson, Fences/Raisin in the Sun with Denzel Washington) is the patriarch & ruler of of the roost of a decripit (rent frozen) apartment on the UWS on Riverside.  He's a widower living there with his nefarious son Jr., Jr.'s sexy girlfriend and Jr.'s ex-con pal.  Pops is a retired police officer who delivers a new twist to the miserable, loud mouthed curmudgeon.  Eight years ago, Pops was shot multiple times while off duty, drinking in the wee hours by a white officer who allegedly yelled "Nigger" before firing.  Regardless of the threat of eviction for failing to pay, he is still holding out for a huge settlement from the city.  Pop's was offered a large settlement at the time which he declined holding out for a richer pot.   Pop's ex-female partner professes her adoration for Pop while her fiancee, also a cop, tries to get him to  settle.  A trying & enigmatic poker game of offers & demands ensues.  The sharp dialogue and exceptional acting by the entire stellar cast makes this show a wild; a mix of dark humor & character study.  The gifted playwright asks "Who really knows anybody?"  This is an entertaining play to see, & discuss.  There will be viewpoints from various deranged sides.