What Is the Story of A Life in the Theatre?
The title says it all: In a series of 26 short scenes, an older actor named Robert and a younger actor named John portray life onstage and backstage, morphing into a variety of of characters (doctors, doughboys, sailors, lawyers) and then back into themselves. Chatting at their makeup tables or at the stage door, Robert serves a mentor to his young colleague, and yet it’s clear that he envies John’s youth and sense of possibility. John respects Robert and yet chafes at some of the older actor’s advice and commentary. Still, the two men form a strong stage partnership that’s entertaining and touching to watch.