Bruce L. Hart and Paul Vander Roest, the producers behind VanderHart Productions, are bringing their latest creation, With Friends Like These…, to the Long Beach Playhouse stage. This contemporary spoof of the classic film The Women offers a fresh twist, focusing on the lives of gay men, the entertainment business, and life in Los Angeles. With their signature humour and sharp wit, Bruce and Paul deliver a modern take on friendships, rivalries, and drama, all set against the backdrop of Hollywood.

With Friends Like These… is also a reboot of a show from VanderHart Productions’ catalogue of comedic plays, which have long represented and celebrated the LGBTQ community. After producing many successful plays over the years, Bruce and Paul are excited to bring this one back, bringing new energy and relevance to a beloved production.

Together, Bruce and Paul continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of humour and storytelling. We caught up with them to discuss their latest collaboration, With Friends Like These….

How did you get involved in this production?

Bruce: This show actually has a bit of history! With Friends Like These… originally premiered at the Los Angeles Gay Center as a fundraiser for the Center, and it was the very first production at the Renberg Theatre. It was such an exciting time that we had to supply the stage lighting ourselves since the theatre was so new! The production was a huge success, and it was so well received that we decided to transfer it to a theatre in West Hollywood, where it had another successful run.

Paul: After the fun we had producing our last show at the Long Beach Playhouse, we knew we wanted to bring With Friends Like These… back for 2025. It’s a show that’s always been close to our hearts, and we’re excited to revive it for new audiences while adding a fresh twist to the experience.

So you’ve been producing theatre for a long time?

Bruce: (laughs) A loooong time!

Paul: Yes, back in the glory days of indie live theatre.

Bruce: True, we were part of the 99-seat waiver golden years in Los Angeles.

Paul: There was a time when there was a place called Theatre Row. Every small theatre had a show.

Bruce: Yes, it was a lot of fun—a regular smorgasbord of theatrical options.

And once this era came to an end, Paul moved on to producing murder mystery dinner theatre with his late husband, Dan Bumgarner, while Bruce transitioned into indie film production with his brother for their film company, Hart Bros Films.

But now, they’re both excited to reunite for this theatrical production, working once again with the collaborative team at the Long Beach Playhouse. It’s a return to their theatrical roots, and they’re eager to share With Friends Like These… with a new audience.

What is the key element that defines the play?

Bruce: One key element in With Friends Like These… really highlights the idea that, no matter our age, adults are not any more rational than younger people. We still make the same mistakes—gossiping, getting jealous, being competitive—and sometimes we let those impulses get the best of us. But at the heart of it, what really defines the play is the reminder that we are all still capable of compassion. Despite the drama and missteps, there’s always a moral compass guiding us. It’s a moment of reckoning where the characters realize that, at the end of the day, what matters is how we treat each other, and the power of forgiveness and understanding. It’s an important message that resonates with everyone, no matter their age.

How do you think the audience will react?

Paul: We’re hoping the audience will have a great time—lots of laughs, plenty of “ah ha” moments, and a real sense of understanding as they watch the characters navigate their chaotic lives. The interactions between the characters are filled with humor, but also real, relatable emotions. We want people to laugh at the craziness, but also reflect on the moments of vulnerability and compassion that surface. It’s a show that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, so we hope the audience leaves feeling entertained, but also a little more connected to the complexities of friendships and human nature.

What is the most important message you want to convey through your performance?

Bruce: The most important message we want to convey is that laughter is a key part of life. It connects us, helps us get through tough times, and makes life more enjoyable. We hope the audience will experience that laughter during the show and leave feeling uplifted.

Paul We also want to remind people that, despite our differences, we’re all really the same. The characters may come from different backgrounds or face different challenges, but at the end of the day, we all share the same emotions and desires. It’s about recognizing our common humanity and the connections we all need.

What’s Next on the Horizon for you both?

Paul We’re excited about what’s coming up! First, we’re hoping to take With Friends Like These… to other theater-friendly cities around Los Angeles, like Palm Springs and West Hollywood. It’s a show that we think will really resonate with audiences in those areas, and we’re looking forward to sharing it with even more people. 

Bruce Additionally, we’re developing a film script for our previous stage show It Started With a Lie, with plans to produce it in late 2025. There’s a lot to look forward to, and we can’t wait to keep creating and sharing our work!

Where can people get tickets?If you live in Los Angeles you can get your tickets to With Friends Like These…. Opening at the Long Beach Playhouse on February 21^st for six performances!  Tickets can be purchased here: lbplayhouse.org/event/with-friends-like-these/ or by calling the box office 562-494-1014. 

Al Geiner

Not the Usual LICK Publicist! 27 yrs in the biz ~Worldwide! Actual Peer of the Realm~Unitarian Universalist Pragmatic Buddhist~ PROUD GAY Liberal