STORY STUDY - MEDIUM: THEATER “Somebody/Nobody”

A lot can happen in Los Angeles, California. One minute you’re unemployed, the next you are. By the end of it, you’ll wish everyone just leave.

Written by Jane Martin, Somebody/Nobody is the story of a recently fired mechanic who suddenly gets a visitor: a B-movie actress trying to escape a fan, and just the spotlight in general. Hijinks ensue when other visitors come uninvited to bring each woman home.

The story takes place throughout half a day, but so much happens within that timeframe. The two women learn they come from different worlds, but they both share a similar struggle in wanting something that is not them.

With a setup like that, you’d think they’d get the bright idea of switching places or something. Nope! The mechanic has no desire of being an actress or being in entertainment; she just wants a job. Really, the story is about how the women have really good lives, or at least, it will be.

The plot doesn’t really flow how a story naturally flows. Characters change by the end for certain, but it’s mostly a sequence of events. A new character comes in, causes trouble, then leaves. Rinse and repeat. There’s not a lot of supporting characters, but it’s clear what function they serve.

I came across the play when I was looking to add to my collection of plays. I liked Anton in Show Business, which we’ve covered before, and thought this play would fit my expectations. It didn’t because the story ended up being something different, but I wasn’t upset by it.

Somebody/Nobody is a crazy play populated by over-the-top characters. But it’s L.A., what did you expect? However, by the end of it, it gives you the sense that even if your life is going off the rails, it will be alright in the end.