Jen Silverman’s Laugh Riot Liberates Women on the Edge

by Mary Lou Herlihy

With memorable characters and laugh out loud dialogue, “The Roommate” reminds us that we are just one stranger away from change.

When a seasoned New Yorker rents a room in a suburban mom’s Iowa home, sparks fly. One woman’s midwestern empty-nest is suddenly transformed into a hotbed of hilarity. The two women in their 50s, both ready for do-overs, have surprises to unpack.

In black leather jacket, Doc Martins, and fitted jeans, Robyn (Luisa Sermol) carries moving boxes into the light-filled kitchen of excitable suburban divorcee Sharon (Patty Gallagher). Think Patti Smith meets Patty Duke. Sharon flits around nervously, talking too much, helping too much, looking out of place in her own home. Sharon’s acute attention unnerves new roommate Robyn, uncomfortable under the bright light.

Spense Matubang’s light floods every inch of Nina Ball’s lush and meticulously detailed set. The open and spacious kitchen/living area is filled with cool kitchen light, warm living room lamps, windows, and doorways to rooms you want to see. Subtle, artful direction by Vanessa Stalling offers a master class in collaboration. Everyone shines.

As Sharon, Patty Gallagher performs with giddy believability. She changes before our eyes. Under Robyn’s influence, Sharon discovers her power: she stands taller and fidgets less. Sharon’s soft edges begin to sharpen.

Powerful Luisa Sermot, Sharon’s stoic foil, arrives hardened and suspicious. Delighting in Sharon’s enthusiasm, Robyn softens, reluctantly. For all their differences, Sharon and Robyn are both looking for connection.

Their only connection to their adult kids is through the ever-present landline. Stretching its long umbilical cord to near breaking, both women leave funny and desperate messages for their children. Robyn shares pearls of wisdom with Sharon: “Your children just have to live long enough to become you.” Motherhood leaves these women dispirited.

While describing her son to Robyn as a women’s clothing designer in PARK SLOPE, Brooklyn, Sharon asserts, “Oh he’s NOT gay.” She knows this because she’s met his girlfriend, says Sharon: “She’s a lesbian!”

Even as Robyn encourages Sharon to lie to her elusive son, Sharon’s ‘good girl’ programming runs deep. But things are changing. When Robyn kicks back at the kitchen table to light up a joint, she asks if Sharon wants a puff. Sharon takes a BIG TOKE and choice makes CHANGE.

In a joyfully liberating moment that follows, Sharon is alone. Robyn’s upbeat music makes her lift her arms up high in sweet abandon. Sharon dances through the doorway into her new life.

Unexpected twists keep us on our toes. We think Sharon’s going to get caught while secretly trying on Robyn’s clothes. But it’s Robyn who’s found out when Sharon finds something nefarious. Sharon horrifies Robyn with a shocking purchase and wild propositions. Boundaries blur as Sharon and Robyn hurdle into uncharted territory.

These strangers change one another, but for better or worse? “The Roommate” at Center REP takes us on a wild ride. And it’s wicked good fun! We all need a little change these days—and we can learn from each other, quite unexpectedly.

“The Roommate” by Jen Silverman, directed by Vanessa Stalling, scenic design by Nina Ball, costumes by Becky Bodurtha, lighting by Spense Matubang, sound by James Ard, properties by Alyssa Tryon, at Center REP, Walnut Creek, California. Info: centerrep.org – to April 20, 2025.

Cast: Patty Gallagher and Luisa Sermol.

Banner photo: Patty Gallagher (Sharon) & Luisa Sermol (Robyn). Photos: Kevin Berne