Hidden away, beneath the Emmanuel Lutheran Church is a precious gem of a theatre.
Walking down the basement steps reminded me of just such hidden gems in London, or New York.
‘The Supporting Cast’ is the story of one woman’s attempt to break the news to her dearest friends that her ‘mysterious’ book she has been working on for months is, in fact, based on them, in all their flawed and comical glory.
This wonderful play harkens back to the classic comedy’s of the forties and fifties, were it not for the modern day setting I would have half expected Spencer Tracy or Katherine Hepburn to enter from stage left!
Set at our host and authors Malibu home, the comedy unfolds as one friend after another is introduced to their all too imperfect and thinly veiled likeness as they read the book.
Can you only imagine how you might react when faced with your not so fictional self?
Well the only character who takes it well is the one who is too narcissistic to recognize herself as anything other than the heroine. You can guess how that turns out!
While Malibu quite literally busts in to flames all around them during a canyon fire each and every one of these enjoyable actors turns in spot on performances full of joy, enthusiasm and comical delight.
The set was pretty incredible too, I really felt as if I were in Malibu, on a deck over looking the ocean, a really great job!
This play is tricky to pull off, and without the very convincing and funny performances it could have been disastrous. But you could tell right away that these actors were having the time of their lives, and that kind of enthusiasm is contagious!
Well done Elate Theatre Company, The Supporting Cast is a great evening out, and full of performances to remember.
I recommend ‘The Supporting Cast’ at The Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 6020 Radford Ave, North Hollywood, 91606.
The play runs May 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 & 17.
Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 2PM
818-509-0882
http://nohoartsdistrict.com/theatres/arts/elate-s-lincoln-stegman-theatre/451-the-supporting-cast
Cast
Ellen - Debbie Lowe
Mae - Tammy Goolsbey
Sally - Cyanne McClairian
Arnold - Stanley Brown
Florrie - Jennifer Kersey
Helicopter Pilot - John Kersey
Crew
Director - Jennifer Kersey
Stage Manager/Light and sound board operator - Matthew Martin
Technical Director- Mark Stegman
Lighting Designer - Derrick McDaniels
Set Crew - Jennifer Kersey, Andrew Piecka, Stanley Brown, Debbie Sadlouskos, Norma Burgess
House Crew - Carol Bratcher, Therese Hawes, Debbie Sadlouskos