Act 1

The curtain rises on I’m Not Rappaport with Nat perched on a worn park bench amidst the lush greenery of New York’s Central Park, pondering aloud about the topic he had just been discussing. His bench companion, Herb Gardner, listens as the scene unfolds.

Midge, who shares the bench with Nat, candidly admits he hasn't been paying attention to a word Nat's been saying. Instantly, the dynamic banter between these two octogenarians captivates the audience. As their dialogue progresses, it becomes clear that for an entire week, Nat has been regaling Midge with a series of outlandish stories, stories Midge dismisses as mere fabrications. Intriguingly, Nat claims he is an undercover spy, handpicked by the government to masquerade as a fugitive Cuban terrorist. Despite his skepticism, Midge finds himself swayed by the tale, momentarily captivated by Nat’s charisma. Nat suggests that in five years, his secretive mission will be set in motion. However, reality dawns on Midge, and he erupts with frustration. A former pugilist in his younger days, Midge attempts to showcase his boxing prowess to Nat but humorously tumbles to the ground. While Midge sprawls on the pavement, Nat offers comfort, assuring him no bones are broken.

Their conversation meanders, revealing Midge's occupation as a superintendent at an apartment complex, where he alone can operate the archaic furnace. Midge confides about his dealings with a local thug for protection. Nat, a former social reformer who refuses to acknowledge his own aging, dismisses such talk. The tension amplifies with the arrival of Danforth, Midge’s supervisor, who bears the news of Midge’s impending dismissal. Boldly, Nat steps in, impersonating an attorney from the fictitious organization HURTSFOE, dedicated to human rights. Danforth, unnerved by Nat’s convincing act, agrees to reconsider Midge’s fate. However, anxiety grips Midge, worried that Danforth will uncover Nat’s deceit, jeopardizing his severance pay. As Gilley, Midge's thug, approaches for his due, Midge obliges—but Gilley demands the same from Nat. When Nat resists, Gilley brandishes a knife, and an altercation ensues, leaving Nat battered.

Act 2, Scene 1

The following day, Nat shuffles back to the park aided by a walker, fresh from his hospital visit. Despite his slowed pace, his spirit remains undeterred, his encounter with Gilley a badge of honor, believing the thug will steer clear henceforth. Concerned, Nat’s daughter Clara arrives, troubled by his injuries and weary of his schemes. Clara, determined to distance herself from his antics, warns she won’t indulge his ruses any longer. Nat, sensing her underlying motives, accuses Clara of plotting to confine him to a home. Their argument revisits the momentous meeting with Clara Lemlich, the fervent activist after whom Clara was named, igniting a clash over the relevance of activism in today’s indifferent world. The tension dissipates as Nat prompts a familiar game involving the refrain, “I’m Not Rappaport.” Initially resistant, Clara eventually joins in.

Once calm, Clara presents Nat with three alternatives for leaving the park and altering his living arrangements. Nat dismisses each option, prompting Clara to threaten legal action to declare him incompetent. Quick to concoct a diversion, Nat fabricates a story about a fictitious daughter he plans to live with, stalling Clara's intentions. After Clara’s departure, Midge chastises Nat for deceiving his daughter. Their argument is cut short by the arrival of the Cowboy, a menacing figure who comes to collect a debt from Laurie, a troubled artist and drug user nearby. When she fails to pay in full, the Cowboy assaults her, demanding the remainder the following night before vanishing. Nat and Midge rush to Laurie's side, consoling her, with Midge advising...