[1] The Broadway production, produced by John Glines, Lawrence Lane, Lucille Lortel, and the Shubert Organization, opened on May 1, 1985 at the Lyceum Theatre, where it ran for 285 performances following six previews.

[2] A London production, directed by Chris Bond and starring George Costigan and David Fielder, ran from 18 August until 26 September 1987 at the Half Moon Theatre.

Seeking emotional support, Rich shows how people with AIDS were treated by the American family, doctors, and friends.

The play begins, and ends, with a monologue by a middle-aged, female hospice worker, describing her new patient, Richard.

In the second scene, Saul, one of the two main characters, states that he is Jewish while arguing about possessions with Richard, who makes an antisemitic remark and reveals he has AIDS during their ongoing breakup.

[1][2] After Richard's illness worsens, he reconciles with his brother but ultimately asks Saul to buy street drugs so he can use them to kill himself.

[1] The play was critiqued for reinforcing the trope of the steadfast partner who doubles as bedside nurse that was common to AIDS performances.

In 1986, Hoffman adapted the play for a television production directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg starring Hadary, Carradine, and Colleen Dewhurst.