It’s clear “Shayne” (played by John Cusack) really wants to produce his play, but he can’t get the producer (Jack Warden) to provide the funding. The problem seems to be that there isn't much interest in it, especially given that his previous two plays weren't particularly successful. Then a chance arises, although it comes with strings attached. He could secure full funding if he casts "Olive" (Jennifer Tilly). The catch is she’s not exactly talented and possesses a voice reminiscent of those silent film stars who were brought down by the very same quality! Her boyfriend, “Nick” (Joe Viterelli), runs the local criminal operation, so it's essentially an all-or-nothing proposition: cast her or lose the money. Despite the reservations of the extremely theatrical "Helen" (Dianne Wiest), he decides to put his artistic integrity aside and go for it. What follows involves a group comprised of actors, criminals, novices, and outbursts attempting to get the play staged. To ensure she's safe, her boyfriend has dispatched an enforcer named “Cheech” (Chazz Palminteri) as protection for "Olive," whose straightforward methods initially clash with the director’s approach. However, “Shayne” eventually notices that “Cheech” shows a knack for writing, and they begin working together—an unlikely partnership that could potentially give the play a shot at success. Wiest is excellent here, portraying a character who combines elements of Barbra Streisand and Norma Desmond, embodying that era of movie stars who truly believed their own hype. Cusack also performs well, as does Palminteri, and Tilly delivers an amusingly (and irritatingly) convincing portrayal of the rather dim-witted girlfriend. The film is humorous at times, particularly for those familiar with theater work, and manages to incorporate a significant amount of entertainment—along with critiques of that industry—into ninety minutes that start strong and rarely let up. It’s one of Woody Allen's more inventive ideas, moving him away from his usual focus on characters struggling with anxieties, and it's presented in a stylish manner, making it definitely worth seeing.

Source on TMDB