Review: Steve Guttenberg Recounts a Life on Screen

One day in August, when he was just 17 years old, Steven Guttenberg of Massapequa, Long Island said goodbye to his parents, boarded a plane and flew to Hollywood with a singular and specific mission in mind — to become a movie star.

It was the mid-1970s and the trip was ostensibly supposed to last only two weeks — the teenager assured his parents he would be home in time to start high school in September.

But that’s not how it worked out.

Instead, a persistent Guttenberg kept extending his West Coast stay, eventually sneaking onto the Paramount Studios lot where he found an empty room and set up an office. In the end, Guttenberg did find fame, but he was never able to truly find his way home again, in more ways than one.

That’s the overarching through line in “Tales From the Guttenberg Bible,” the actor’s autobiographical theatrical piece now finishing out the summer mainstage season at Bay Street Theater.

Directed by David Saint and presented as a co-production with George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, N.J., the play runs through August 27 and it offers a heartfelt and loving look back at the actor’s film career. Guttenberg is on stage for pretty much the entirety of the show, which runs without intermission, portraying his younger self and the many characters he encountered in his career — agents, casting directors, actors, producers. The material covers a roughly decade-long period, recounting Guttenberg’s memories of starring in some of the biggest box office hits of the 1980s.

With a simple set defined by a backdrop displaying family photos and stills of the movies he appeared in, “Tales From the Guttenberg Bible” is billed as a comedy. While there are moments of great humor — most often supplied by a trio of high-energy actors, Carine Montbertrand, Dan Domingues and Arnie Burton (alternating with Stephen DeRosa and Laura Jordan) who collectively play some 90 people from Guttenberg’s past, including Andy Warhol and Liza Minelli — there appears to be true melancholy and sadness here that makes the piece ultimately tragic. As his career progresses and he makes fewer and fewer visits home to the split level ranch in Massapequa where his mom dishes out meatballs and his dad, words of wisdom, it’s evident that — even now, at age 64 — Guttenberg has some regrets over choices he made.

When we first meet young Guttenberg in Hollywood, the 17-year-old is excited by the prospect of forking over $500 (which he doesn’t have) to get his SAG card (which he needs in order to book his first gig — a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial opposite the Colonel himself). Coincidentally, the job pays $500, meaning it’s a break-even proposition at best, and the card is handed over with a dire warning that only a fraction of those who dream of making it in the business actually do. In other words, get out while you can, kid.

Of course, Guttenberg doesn’t get out, and instead dives in and keeps at it. He eventually gets tapped for Frank Schaffner’s 1978 film “The Boys From Brazil,” landing a supporting role as a young Nazi hunter opposite Sir Laurence Olivier, Gregory Peck and James Mason. From there it’s smooth sailing and the roles roll in — “Diner,” “Cocoon,” “Police Academy” and “Three Men and a Baby.” Along the way, there are parties, Oscar ceremonies, first class air travel, a guest spot on Saturday Night Live, Studio 54 raves and everything else that went along with celebrity-hood in the waning days of the 20th century.

Yes, that was world in which Guttenberg circulated in those days. But it appears his career was akin to a meteor — heating up quickly and burning out fast. At one point in the show, Guttenberg tells us that his phone just stopped ringing. We’re never exactly sure why (and he doesn’t really say), but presumably, as a good-looking Jewish kid from Long Island with an authenticity he didn’t try to hide, he likely fit a type when his type was needed. Hollywood’s insatiable appetite eventually moved on in search of the next big thing, as it always does.

While we’re never sure exactly what happened — Guttenberg also hints at shades of anti-Semitic sentiment that pervades Hollywood decision making — one thing is clear: Guttenberg was an earnest, energetic kid who gave his all to pursue the bright lights. As a result, he traded innocence, security and a loving family that always told him where he stood for posers, partiers and the uncertainty of fame. The play offers poignant insight into the life of a truly nice guy who grew up largely on his own and seems to now regret being in such a hurry to get on with things.

While highly entertaining, frequently funny and an enjoyable night out, “Tales From the Guttenberg Bible” feels as if it would benefit greatly from a deeper dive into Guttenberg’s personal truths. As audience members, what we long for is less a chronological recounting of Guttenberg’s interactions with manipulative agents and directors and more internal dialogue and insight into his psyche and the important relationships he had with friends, mentors or lovers who served as his anchors.

Make no mistake. Guttenberg is well on his way with this piece – but one senses there is a bigger life lesson that he could share if he just went a bit further. It’s as if he hasn’t yet gotten to the bottom of his emotional well where the really impactful material is waiting to be mined. And for good reason. Guttenberg’s father died just a year ago, and you can see the actor’s honesty is on full display on the Bay Street stage. His eyes glisten as he recounts holding his dad close during his final hours. Yes, there’s definitely more to be had here, and Guttenberg would do well to dig deep, tap into that spring and find a message that transcends show business by offering a universal truth for us all.

“Tales From the Guttenberg Bible” features set and projection design by Caite Hevner, lighting design by Joe Saint, costume design by Lisa Zinni and sound design by Scott Killian. The production runs through August 27 at Bay Street Theater. Tickets $70 to $135 at baystreet.org or 631-725-9500. Bay Street Theater is on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor.