Synopsis:
Two best friends, Remi and Maurice, who have been inseparable for fifteen years, experience a friendship-altering explosive argument in the dressing room while they wait for their turn to compete live on a Mexican Game Show!
“Cheat The System” explores one of the most challenging yet often overlooked conversations adults face: Losing a Friendship. Throughout life, we tend to focus on romantic relationships, frequently neglecting the significance of the friendships we cultivate along the way. While we may feel somewhat prepared for a breakup or even divorce, losing a friend is something we are rarely ready for. In our society, friendships often take a backseat, yet these breakups can be the most painful of all.
Characters (3)
REMI
MAURICE
(early-mid 30s, any ethnicity) is a truly good friend—kind and supportive—and has become a pillar of strength for Maurice, his best friend of 15 years. But has come to recognize that this support has not been mutual. As a result, he is choosing to move on. There’s a newfound lightness in him, even though he still feels the weight of his friend's actions. He has held onto certain feelings for Maurice, and prior to arriving at the game show, Remi decided to create some distance between them. Cold towards Maurice. Physical Comedy is a must!
(early-mid 30s, any ethnicity) is flamboyant, quick-witted, and unaware of his surroundings. He is the "do it now, ask for forgiveness later" person. Will always on the look for shortcuts in life, instead of doing it the right way. Throughout their 15-year friendship, he has consistently relied on Remi, knowing he'll always be there, regardless of how he treats him. Although he acknowledges the distance between himself and Maurice, he pretends that everything is perfectly fine. He creates confrontation yet can't handle the repercussions of his actions . Physical comedy is a must!
ELENA THE PA, LANA THE PRODUCER, BETSY FROM WARDROBE, ALONDRA FROM HAIR/MAKE-UP, DANIELA FROM LEGAL, and ANGELICA CASTILLO THE HOST are all played by the same actor.
Must be able to play multiple ages.
ELENA THE PA (Late 20s, Latina) bright eyed and bushy tailed production assistant for the television show. Eager to work and just happy to be working on the show.
LANA THE PRODUCER (30s-40s, Latina) high energy that fills the room! A little too much for Remi and Maurice. She is the person to pump them up to get ready for the show. The point of contact for them. When she speaks, she startles Remi and Maurice. Running the show like clockwork. Lana low key thinks that Remi and Maurice have had an intimate relationship. She's mistakes their friend chemistry for lust. Low key wants to know and wants to be in on it.
BETSY FROM WARDROBE (30s, Latina) first day on the job. Very jumpy and her emotions are on edge. Offended if things don't go her way, because she thinks she could loose her job.
ALONDRA FROM HAIR/MAKE-UP (40s, Latina) does not speak english. Shady towards Remi. Physical comedy is a must.
DANIELA FROM LEGAL (30s-40s, Latina) is prim and proper. Only business. Everything is by the book, no tricks. There are absolutely no room for jokes, and she will put you in your place. Always interrupting so she can get the gob done. Extremely stern.
ANGELICA CASTILLO THE HOST (50's) is a glamorous bravoTV housewife type. The celebrity host of the show. She's fun and shady. Star power and she knows it. Angelica Castillo the Host keeps a healthy distance to maintain her dominance. Remi and Maurice are her biggest fans.
