Richard Frattali

Standing in for Lana Richard Frattali

This riveting collection offers a compassionate inside look at a place rightly called a dream factory. The off-screen life of a stand-in begins to mirror that of the iconic movie star whom she resembles physically. A struggling actor uses his skill to pay the rent working as a telephone sex provider. An old man confronts what he sees as the betrayal of his best friend. A former actress, long forgotten, gets one more chance at immortality. A young husband, who has traded his chance for success as a musician for a more stable life, deals with the consequences of his choice. The author draws upon his extensive background in improvisational theater to bring to life characters whose souls are close to the surface and whose Hollywood rings true.