SYNOPSIS
BLACK STARS
This musical is co-written by Oscar’s wife, and show business partner, Jean Pace. The story centers on the experiences of two Black actors navigating the complex and often discriminatory landscape of the motion picture industry.
Herb Hardin, a talented newcomer, dreams of becoming "The 1st Big Negro Matinee Idol." He is mentored by Leo Collazo, a seasoned character actor and director. Together, they believe a promising movie role will catapult Herb to stardom. However, their hopes are dashed when Herb's significant scenes are cut from the final film. This betrayal leads to a series of tragic events.
Herb, in a moment of misguided trust and desperation, gives Leo a hallucinogenic drug, causing Leo to fall from his balcony and severely injure his wrists. Leo, feeling betrayed, refuses to associate with Herb. Overwhelmed with guilt and despair, Herb's mental state deteriorates. He steals a car, is jailed in Beverly Hills, and ultimately takes his own life. The musical explores the harsh realities of Hollywood, the pressures of ambition, racial barriers, and the devastating consequences of broken dreams, all within the backdrop of a city high on "mind blown militancy, marijuana and LSD."
CHARACTERS
Roles with Descriptions and Traits
Character Breakdown
Protagonist
Herb Hardin is the primary protagonist. His journey, ambitions, struggles, and tragic fate are the focal point of the story.
Antagonist
While there isn't a single, clearly defined antagonist, the system of Hollywood racism and exploitation acts as the primary antagonistic force. Bannister, the Hollywood executive, represents this system. The unseen voice in jail, "Prick" can also be seen as an antagonistic force, a manifestation of Herb’s inner turmoil. Leo, despite being a mentor, becomes an antagonist to Herb in the second half of the play due to the drug incident and the resulting fallout.
MUSICAL NUMBER
Music of Black Stars
BLACK STARS
WELCOME TO LA
NOTHIN’ AT ALL
I CAN DO TIME
I COULD NEVER BE ME
OSCAR BROWN JR.
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