If you want to see a play about Hollywood and what it takes to be an actress there, make your way to Alara Ceri’s “Hollywood Positive,” playing at The Raven Playhouse in the NoHo Arts District through September 1st.
This is the story of an innocent actress who moves from the safety of living with her parents in Detroit, Michigan to the dream factory called Hollywood.
This rough and tumble look at life in show business in Hollywood is honest, realistic and vulnerable, if not overly cliched and, especially in the first act, obscenity-laden.
Yet whatever it lacks in subtlety, Ceri’s words make-up for in authenticity and grace, especially in the second act.
The characters are real, not blow-up dolls. And at the center of the storm is always Ally, who manages to put a brave face on proceedings and keep going.
If Ceri is saying anything with this play it seems to be just that: In Hollywood talent means little. It is determination, passion and dedication that matter.
Co-Directors Ray Ramos and Ceri do a fine job of interpreting and staging Ceri’s script. Instead of caricatures, we the audience get mostly genuine characters. In the place of show business drivel, we get language and action derived from reality.
Standouts in a well-cast show include, Anna Rose Moore (Karen Hernandez) who dazzles with a sexual yet profound turn as Ally’s roommate. Her understanding of her character and Hollywood prove deep, powerful and thoroughly believable. After not having been on stage for seven years, Moore makes-up for it in one production.
Vincent Van Hinte (Dan) does not show-up until nearly the end of the evening, but the impression he makes will stay with this critic for a long time. Moody and metaphysical, the Dutch actor burns the bridge and makes us all swim to safety.
Alara Ceri (Ally) is in every scene in the play. Her talent and commitment to this project keep it on its wheels. Ceri’s intelligence and on-stage instincts are unique, and this critic, at least, hopes to see her work as playwright, producer, director or actress again soon on the boards of North Hollywood.
But it is CJ Brady (CJ) who steals this play in a small role. Playing his character with an authentic Hollywood karma, this chameleon is the play’s hero.
The Seattle, Washington native gives a performance of such nuance, cool, charm and sensitivity that anyone who sees the play and does not live in Hollywood would want to move there. He is the best movie land has to offer. And plays it to the hilt.
After “The Big Woogie” and “To Love Somebody,” this new show, also produced by Ramos and Stan Matasavage, is a step-up in rhythm, writing and performance. It is heartwarming to see two producers work as hard as Ramos and Matasavage have on Hollywood’s lost art: theatre, and slowly succeed at it.
SHOWTIMES:Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 7pmTickets: $15Information: (855) 235-2867Raven Playhouse, 5233 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
