How do you get back on the A-list in Hollywood?
Adopt an African baby ““ at least according to Matthew Modine.
Directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando who graduated from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, “Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas” makes its world premiere onstage at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood.
“It’s really funny, very wacky, and has a great sense of humor,” says Randall Arney, artistic director of the playhouse.
Starring as a fictionalized version of himself, Modine is determined to achieve the limelight exposure he once enjoyed as a celebrity heartthrob back in the ’80s. The solution to his dilemma seems fairly simple: find a humanitarian cause. But without one, Modine also is without a name in Hollywood. What’s a former film hunk to do?
Travel to South America, of course.
The Chimborazzi tribe of the Andes Mountains depends upon their herd of alpacas for their survival, but the alpacas are dying. Enter the relentless Modine, eager to use his talents to save the alpacas ““ and his career. With help from actors Peri Gilpin of “Frasier” and French Stewart of “3rd Rock from the Sun,” the 2009 recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award follows the hilarious journey of a former Hollywood A-lister’s attempts to make it big again.
“It’s really a satire about Hollywood, and kind of where celebrity and humanitarian causes meet,” Arney explains.
The performance runs through Oct. 2 and students can purchase tickets through the box office directly or Online at www.geffenplayhouse.com. Student rush tickets are also available 30 minutes before curtain call for $15.
Compiled by Ashley Homna, A&E contributor.