Michael Pressman, a man that has directed a lot of television, suddenly gets an idea: How about do a play as a vehicle for his wife, the talented Lisa Chess, who in a way, has sacrificed her own career to dedicate herself to keep the couple's home and bring up the son that both adore. The play Michael decides to do is Terrence McNally's "Frankie and Johnnie in the Clair de Lune", a work that seems to be perfect. That's where the problems start. Having received an IRS refund, Mr. Pressman thinks he can invest that money into a modest production. Little does he know that what starts as a fun incursion into the theater, ends up costing four times as first envisioned.
First thing that goes wrong is the casting of Alan Rosenberg as Johnnie. This actor is involved in an indie picture, plus a series in television. It's clear he is an actor that has "disaster" written all over him. When they begin reading the play, it becomes clear that Alan wants to improvise. After that, he has trouble remembering his lines and finally, his ego gets the best of him and he decides the play is not for him, leaving Michael and Lisa hanging and in debt.
After the fiasco he experienced, Michael decides to play Johnnie himself. The play will finally is seen. In a hilarious sequence, Cynthia, the company manager, is seen at the box office trying to deal with the invited crowd on opening night. Kathy Baker, the actress, who has four tickets waiting, gives her name, but Cynthia looks under Bates, as in Kathy, who happens to be the one that played Frankie in the New York production. A few other familiar faces are seen as well. Jilian Armenante does a fine job with her Cynthia.
Best of all in the film is Alan Rosenberg, whose own take on what the actor he is supposed to play, must be a composite of other actors he, and Mr. Pressman have met during their years in show business. Lisa Chess is wonderful as Frankie. She is a beautiful woman who should be seen more often. Michael Pressman, playing himself, gives the right tone to a director that lives to regret his involvement in the theater. Others that appear briefly are, Mandy Patinkin, Stephen Tobolowsky, Leslie Moonves, David Kelley, and Hector Elizondo, among others.
The film is fun and light, as it satirizes people who think too much of themselves. Michael Pressman has a keen eye for spotting all these people.
First thing that goes wrong is the casting of Alan Rosenberg as Johnnie. This actor is involved in an indie picture, plus a series in television. It's clear he is an actor that has "disaster" written all over him. When they begin reading the play, it becomes clear that Alan wants to improvise. After that, he has trouble remembering his lines and finally, his ego gets the best of him and he decides the play is not for him, leaving Michael and Lisa hanging and in debt.
After the fiasco he experienced, Michael decides to play Johnnie himself. The play will finally is seen. In a hilarious sequence, Cynthia, the company manager, is seen at the box office trying to deal with the invited crowd on opening night. Kathy Baker, the actress, who has four tickets waiting, gives her name, but Cynthia looks under Bates, as in Kathy, who happens to be the one that played Frankie in the New York production. A few other familiar faces are seen as well. Jilian Armenante does a fine job with her Cynthia.
Best of all in the film is Alan Rosenberg, whose own take on what the actor he is supposed to play, must be a composite of other actors he, and Mr. Pressman have met during their years in show business. Lisa Chess is wonderful as Frankie. She is a beautiful woman who should be seen more often. Michael Pressman, playing himself, gives the right tone to a director that lives to regret his involvement in the theater. Others that appear briefly are, Mandy Patinkin, Stephen Tobolowsky, Leslie Moonves, David Kelley, and Hector Elizondo, among others.
The film is fun and light, as it satirizes people who think too much of themselves. Michael Pressman has a keen eye for spotting all these people.