The Supporting Cast
The Supporting
Cast
Open February 24, 2006
Imagine what your life would be like if you were related to someone famous.
Now imagine that you are the one who supports and encourages that person who
achieves fame. Picture that you have a friend who writes about you and other
family members of celebrities and is ready to publish a book.
That is the setting for The Supporting Cast by George Furth, a
comedy about friendship and support. It appears on the Racine Theatre Guild
stage, opening February 24 and running four weekends through March 19.
Ellen is the wife of a successful author, and she invites four
of her friends to her beach house in Malibu to tell them she has written a book
of her own. She based her characters on her friends, who all live with a famous
person. And here's the snag. The book is printed and ready to be distributed,
but Ellen's publisher insists that before the book is released she must get
her four friends to sign waivers saying they won't sue.
We meet the "supporting cast" who appear in Ellen's
book. First to arrive are Mae, the mother of a renowned musician, and Sally,
who is married to a Congressman. Next Florrie (married to a movie star) and
Arnold (husband of a celebrated playwright) arrive. Ellen intends to break the
news about her book and give them advance copies to take home to read.
But once they find out about the book, they read it immediately
and have an outraged sense of being exposed. Ellen insists the characters in
her novel are given other names and are just "composites." As the
friends interact, we discover they have problems of their own. Mae has said
some indiscreet things on a television talk show, Sally drinks and is allergic
to her own hair, Arnold has a fragile ego, and Florrie is innocent and helpful
and afraid she might be thought stupid.
Playwright George Furth injects lots of verbal comedy as the friends
banter and discover more about each other. Yet among the laughs, we learn that
Ellen really does want to examine what makes people support those they love.
And she cares about her friends, imperfect though they may be.
The Supporting Cast appeared on Broadway in 1981, with Sandy Dennis,
Hope Lange, Betty Garrett, Jack Gilford and Joyce Van Patten in the cast. Critics
praised it with comments like:
"Terrifically funny . . . with enough visual jokes to build
a miniature Mack Sennett comedy."
"Written with the expertise of a humorist who knows the transcontinental
scene from New York delicatessens to Malibu beach houses."
You won't want to miss The Supporting Cast, playing from February
24 through March 19. Call the Guild's box office at 633-4218 for more information
or to reserve tickets. You'll enjoy this gentle and funny look at love and friendship.
From the Managing/Artistic Director - Doug Instenes
We are having fun putting together The Supporting Cast, because
it is a comedy with a dose of reality. Among the laughs are observations about
what it means to support others in their moments of fame. It is a wonderful
blend of physical comedy and heart-felt emotion.
If you think hard enough, everyone experiences some moment of
fame in life. It could range from a sporting event, to a concert, play, speech,
class project or event. And usually behind every moment of fame are others,
typically family members, who help support that person. While my fame is very
limited, I know I couldn't have a career in theatre without the love and support
of my wife. We all have someone who picks us up and pushes us forward.
People only get where they are with the love and sacrifice of
others. Think of a spouse who works to help put a husband/wife through school,
parents who give up personal goals to help their children. Especially in theatre
we see dozens of volunteers working backstage, in the booth and in the front
of the house, so the actors look good on stage.
The Supporting Cast takes a look at the other half of the world:
the people behind the fame. Anyone who has experienced friendship, support and
sacrifice will enjoy The Supporting Cast.
I'm also very pleased to announce next season's lineup. The play
reading committee, chaired by volunteer Betty Nelson, did a wonderful job of
blending musicals, dramas and comedies into what is sure to be a successful
season.
It is never too early to renew your season tickets. If you don't have an RTG subscription, sign up today!
The Supporting Cast
by George Furth
Director.........................Douglas Instenes
Cast
Ellen ........................... Chris Heilgeist
Mae ........................... Emily Mueller
Sally ........................... Sea Daniel
Florrie ........................ Teri Wilson
Arnold ........................ Joseph Vignieri
Crew
Prod. Stage Mgr. .............. Cindy David
Stage Manager .................. Jill Dexter
TD/Scenic Design .............. Kurt Oian
ASM ................................. Bob Hansen & Betty White
Props ................................ Russ Stetler & Sandy Schmitz
Costume Design ................ Carol Forbes
Wardrobe Supervisor ........ Karen Hamilton
Sound Design .................... David Zimmerman
Sound Tech. ..................... Phil Paulsen
Light Design ..................... Mike Kurhajec
Light Tech. ....................... Suzanne Sikora
Makeup ........................... Jeanne Christensen