Gavilan College Theatre Arts will present
”
Supporting Roles,
”
a play about an aging and terminally ill Hollywood star and her
family bonding with a young tabloid reporter.
Gilroy – Gavilan College Theatre Arts will present “Supporting Roles,” a play about an aging and terminally ill Hollywood star and her family bonding with a young tabloid reporter.
Written by Jack Richards, the play chronicles Karen, a story-hungry reporter who climbs the balcony at the home of Claire Richmond, a famous retired Hollywood actress who has a terminal illness. Although Claire’s over-protective friend warns the actress not to do it, Claire allows Karen in and lets her stay for a week.
By the end of her time with Claire and Claire’s family, Karen has seen a side of the actress almost nobody else knows. The reporter experiences a rollercoaster of emotions, relationships and realizations, then returns home to write Claire’s biography. The story twists as Claire’s family is forced to confront each other over a number of difficult issues and at the same time must deal with Claire’s impending death.
The play is part of Gavilan’s First Monday Playreading Series, created for local communities to experience theater through readings presented by professional actors, Gavilan students and community members. The plays are followed by discussion among the audience and the actors. Past performances this year include “No Saco Nada de la Escuela” by Luis Valdez and “San Benito County vs. John Doe” by San Benito County Commissioner Jean Flanagan.
Richards, author of “Supporting Roles,” is a retired basketball coach, professor and high school teacher. Richards has written a number of books on strategies and coaching techniques and has spoken throughout North America. He is the co-founder of the American Athletic Motivation Institute and an inductee of the California Community College Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Richards also has authored several screenplays including “Perpetual Motion” and “Murder at the Lake.”
