Shadowland Stages in Ellenville is celebrating a major milestone—its 40th anniversary season. They’re kicking it off with a production of Herb Gardner’s classic Broadway comedy I’m Not Rappaport, starring Tony Award-winner Judd Hirsch and directed by Tony nominee Neil Pepe.

To learn more about the play and the legacy of the theater, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Shadowland’s Artistic Director, Brendan Burke. Patricio began by asking: What does it mean to celebrate 40 years of Shadowland Stages?

I’m Not Rappaport tells the story of two octogenarians, Nat and Midge, who meet regularly on a bench in Central Park. Nat is a cantankerous communist whose daughter wants to put him in a home for seniors. Midge is an apartment building superintendent hiding out from disgruntled tenants. Together, they’ll do whatever it takes to avoid being put out to pasture.