Paul Raskin
Paul Raskin
Paul Raskin
Fortune. And Fame
a Hollywood musical​
​Synopsis
​
It is 1940.
Hollywood, the greatest influencer of all time, impacts American values and behavior. Among the prevalent prejudices, homosexuality is notable. Gays live in secret or risk ostracization, violence, and even jail. Hollywood promotes and reinforces this ethic.
In Omaha, Will and his mother, May, have been abandoned and left broke by her latest husband. Will, a gifted talent, convinces May to get them to Hollywood. If he can perform on "Shooting Stars," Curt Kimball's weekly radio talent contest heard by millions, he can keep them afloat.
​​In Hollywood, the determined pair find their way directly to Curt. But Curt sees more than just Will’s talent. This unique, young, alluring Will is perfect for his secret plan to settle and old score. May is easily manipulated into handing her son over to Curt with the promise of easy money and a clear path to fame.
The powerful young star, Julie Quinn hears Will on the radio and is intrigued. The role of a lifetime, Savannah Joe, is up for grabs. Julie instantly recognizes Will’s talent and intuits what makes him ideal to play the sensitive, young hero. Although part of the Hollywood machine, she does not subscribe to its false morality and is determined to find out all she can about Will. In doing so, she also uncovers Curt's past and his nefarious scheme that is certain to destroy Will - and those like him. ​
She can free Will from Curt’s grasp and keep his secret. Then, Savannah Joe can be his.
But at what cost?
"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.