As seen through the eyes of the novice Peter Rooker (Marcus Thomas) one is guided past the surface stereotypes so often associated with theatre, to find the kernels of truth that reside at the heart of the art. Aided and abetted by Michael Degan (John Corbett of Northern Exposure fame) and the beauteous Grace Hargrove (Amy Smart), two vastly more experienced actors, he has his eyes opened to the magic inherit in the world of theatre.
John Corbett's Michael is a jaded actor who's reduced to playing out being an actor and forgotten why he started in the first place. Although the idea of the novice reinvigorating the bitter experienced actor is slightly clichéd, the chemistry between the shy and introverted Peter and the flamboyant Michael breaths life into something old.
For although Peter may envy Michael his talent and his exuberance he knows that he will never be him. He needs to be able to find his own way through his insecurities and doubts. The movie places a strain on our credibility by having Peter, a rank amateur, cast as the title character in Cyrano de Bergerac, but in the context of the film it's a perfect analogy.
Cyrano hides behind the deformity of his nose, making jokes, playing the fool, and being the good soldier. But all the time he holds his real emotions in check, feeling that because of the nose he is not worthy or deserving of love, and is too embarrassed to act otherwise. Peter at the start of the movie is a non-entity whose existence is barely noticed by those in his life.
He hides within that shell, because almost any time he steps out from within it he is shot down. Like Cyrano Peter finds reason to push out from under the shell. For him it's the realization there is something that makes him feel alive, and gives him a feeling of accomplishment like nothing else has ever done.
It's not just the work; it's also the feeling of being accepted as a part of a group for the first time in his life. He's taking part in an endeavour that is bigger than him which not only allows for personal satisfaction, but the realization he can make a difference and be appreciated by others.
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