Audience Members Say Play Hits Home

It was intermission at a recent performance of “Roleplay,” a musical set in a therapy group, and outside the theater Robert Burke held center stage. In a gathering of audience members, he was the sole veteran of group therapy. Or at least he was the only one who would admit it.

Burke, of Long Beach, was asked if the play seemed true to life.

“Yes, in that the people don’t have monumental problems,” he said. “They have daily issues. They’re adjusting, they’re dealing with things.”

The play, which runs through July 30 at Group Repertory Theatre in North Hollywood, depicts five women and their therapist. One character, a single mother, has difficulty making her son obey. Another is afraid to speak her mind to her boyfriend. Another is torn between a successful career and the needs of her family.

“A lot of it reminds me of what I heard in group,” Burke said.

That’s no surprise, as the play was based in part on a women’s group run by therapist Margaret Paul in West Los Angeles. Paul attended a recent performance.

“I laughed my head off,” she said. “Many of the incidents were right off my group. It was quite startling to see them.”

Another therapist who saw “Roleplay” is Jeri Darling, who practices in Encino and North Hollywood. She said the work illustrates one of the big advantages of group therapy.

“Now there is a real need for the kind of support you can get,” she said. “Group seems to be making a comeback. It was hot in the ‘60s, and in the ‘70s individual became more prominent. Groups took a step back. But today we don’t have the extended family around that we can count on. For a lot of people, the group situation is the only place they can get that kind of support.”

Theater exaggerates, of course, and in “Roleplay” the group goes so far as to help organize a showcase for a member who wants to make a comeback as a singer. One woman arranges catering. Another handles decorations. Another rounds up audience members.

“I sat there and wished I’d had that kind of support,” Burke said.

The therapist in “Roleplay” drew mixed responses. Burke admired her and found it realistic that she drew truths from her clients. But therapist Paul thought otherwise.

“She was cold and she was controlling,” Paul said, “and to me that does not make for good group. She did not role model a centered human being. Clients have to see that to grow and flourish.”

Jackie Benster, a veteran of group, said she liked the fact that the characters changed slowly.

“In group you notice that the same issues come up over and over in different garb,” she said.

Eager for audiences, “Roleplay” authors Doug Haverty and Adryan Russ sent a mailing to 50 therapists. Haverty said the mailing has drawn therapists and their clients.

Clearly something is working. “Roleplay” has been extended twice at Group Repertory. Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 5 p.m. “Toward Perestroika!” plays at the traditional 8:30 time.