Getting Along Famously, with Actors Theater of Orcas

Suzanne Gropper, "Getting Along Famously" with David Schermerhorn, left, and Bryan Grantham

By Kathi Ciskowski

Getting Along Famously, written by Michael Jacobs and directed by Doug Bechtel, is an apt title for a play that focuses on long term relationships between very different kinds of celebrities, including an imaginary/literary one. The Actors Theater of Orcas Island is presenting this two act play at the Grange for additional performances on Friday, Aug. 6, Saturday, Aug. 7, and Sunday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 pm.

I attended on opening night, July 30 and before I get into the details of the “script-in-hand” play itself, I want to mention something about the logistics. The play length was just right, the venue itself was a perfect temperature (cool but not cold coming in from a hot evening), my seat was comfortable and I could see and hear everything. The simple set of the writer’s home enforced the impression of a man who had nice things but was not all that concerned with the trappings of wealth.

The storyline is that bestselling author Henry Leeby, pseudonym Duncan Foster, wrote a wildly successful series of books featuring Axel Troy, secret agent. With the help of his literary agent, Sandy Castle, the books made millions. Each book was also developed into a film with actor Justin Dean starring as Troy.

After 25 years of writing these adventures Leeby yearns to write his own classic novel in the vein of his literary heroes, Dickens, Twain and Victor Hugo. He decides to kill off Axel Troy, vowing never to revive the character again. Sandy and Justin are absolutely opposed to this turn of events because of the tremendous impact it will have on their careers. His daughter, Lori, is the one person to participate in his life with unconditional love.

Bryan Grantham embodies the character of Leeby with pathos and depth. As he sits at his desk in the first scene wearing pajamas and robe and pining over “Huckleberry Finn”, Grantham conveys Leeby’s deep longing to use his talents to write something enduring and classic that is his own, not under his pseudonym. Throughout the play he stands strong in his commitment to this dream in spite of the pressures from the outside world. Once people have accepted the demise of Axel Troy, and he begins his “masterpiece” over the next 3 months, we follow his struggles and once again, Grantham conveys the character in a realistic and heartfelt manner. It is at the end, while wearing the perfect item of clothing, that a transformation occurs and he authentically comes to terms with his actual talent.

Suzanne Gropper as Sandy is a loud and boisterous contrast to Leedy’s inwardness. She has a big voice, a big personality and conveys in many forms her deep love for money and power. Her exuberant “shark song and dance” takes us by surprise and completely lights up the stage. The evolution towards her true self comes slowly and leads to a childhood connection to family and place.

David Schermerhorn as Justin has the voice, demeanor and physical presence to allow us to totally believe that he played secret agent, Axel Troy, in all of the film versions of the books over all of the years. He too has a bigger than life quality that plays well against the writer and the agent. His final “death” scene is both dramatic and very funny. The many pompously whiny and clichéd lines are delivered with all the sincerity that can be mustered as Justin Dean tries to hold on to his role. Through Leedy’s dislike of him, surprising revelations about his past are revealed and he, like Sandy, makes his way back to his childhood roots.

Terri Vinson plays Leedy’s daughter Lori and she is the warm and elegant presence that holds the play together. As everyone is playing out their personal dramas through her father’s literary endeavors, she remains loyal and supportive of him both professionally as his editor/reader and personally. Terri’s presence brought a sense of calmness running through a world of “famous people trying to get along” when they all had a lot at stake.

The play itself is witty with many delightful one-liners. Justin often expresses himself in famous, over-used movies lines such as “I could have been a contender.” Sandy refuses to read the books because as she explains to Justin “I never read books because they ruined the movies for me”. There are times that all characters are communicating at once but for some reason they are all understandable. Many levels of humor, relationship and self discovery weave throughout this entertaining play.

This production is suitable for all ages. Tickets are $10 and are available at Darvill’s Book Store or on-line at HYPERLINK “https://www.orcasactors.com/” \t “_blank” www.orcasactors.com or at the door. For additional information contact Doug Bechtel at 317-5601.