A trio of unemployed vaudevillians head to Tinseltown to con Hollywood stars into hiring them as vocal coaches, planning to profit on a dreadful truth - the world is changing and actors have to change with it. Films have sound now and it’s not enough just to be a pretty face. In the new era of 'talkies, stars have to start opening their mouths if they want to keep their jobs. 

American Conservatory Theater starts off the season with a shiny new version of the 1930 Kaufman and Hart satire Once in a Lifetime. A cast of 15 take on 70 roles in this biting comedy about the early days of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Using period film clips and cinematic backdrops, ACT blends the worlds of theater and film to redefine the audience’s vision of “moving pictures.” 

September 22-October 16. American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary Street. Tickets are $10-85 at 415-749-2228 or act-sf.org.