Paul Raskin
Paul Raskin
Paul Raskin
Fortune. And Fame
a Hollywood musical
Synopsis
It is 1937. The depression – and Hollywood - have re-shaped American values.
17-year-old Will and his mother, May, have been abandoned and left broke by her latest husband.
Will, a gifted talent, convinces May to go to Hollywood where he can win on "Shooting Stars", Curt Kimball's weekly radio talent contest.
In Hollywood, May finagles her way to Curt and makes a deal to get Will on the show. She will allow Curt to use Will for his plan of seduction and revenge. In exchange, Curt will make Will famous. But Curt knows what May does not - Will is homosexual.
Will finds an ally in a powerful young star, Julie Quinn. Although part of the Hollywood machine, she does not ascribe to its false morality. Hearing Will on the radio, she is intrigued and finds out all she can about him. She also discovers Curt's dark secret, and his nefarious scheme.
Julie can free Will from Curt before it’s too late. Then, with her help, the role of a lifetime can be his. But this is Hollywood. He will have to hide who and what he is. Forever. For fortune. For fame.
Can he?
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Ostensibly a boy's journey to stardom, Fortune. And Fame reflects the reality of America's morals and ideals, defined by the greatest influencer of its time.
"Paul has written a compelling story of love and healing set in old Hollywood with soaring, memorable melodies, complex characters and scenes, and delicious action with twists and turns –a narrative for our time that we have not seen before. He is a bit of a renaissance man who draws on his depth of experience in the entertainment business, his life, as well as his wonderful imagination. "
-Jennifer Piech Pasbjerg,
Producer for Theatre and Film
Notably: Come From Away (Broadway, Toronto, National Tour, London, Australia). Awards & Nominations: Tony Nomination, Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, Olivier Award.