RUTH An elderly nursing home resident, once a respected doctor and medical researcher now suffering from Alzheimer’s, but is presently experiencing an extended period of lucidity. BOB A friend to Ruth and fellow resident, he is in a wheelchair and is suffering the late stages of cancer. Bob has been many things in life, primarily a theater director. JOY A young black nurse well loved by the nursing home residents and a primary caretaker for Ruth and Bob. She is a widow with two children.