Dream home

There are two things to know about get-rich-quick programs: They hardly ever work, and they never work. But I do know they will continue to thrive forever, because they are based on that most elemental and pernicious human quality—greed—and therefore will always be with us.

We are all susceptible. This past week, I was drawn into the Lotto by the number of zeros I saw after the number 35. I ended up with the right mega-number and two others, for the whopping return of $12, which makes me $50 in the hole this year. But it’s fun to dream about money and independence, and most of us do it.

Many also dream about working from home and being rid of that overbearing boss. If a large number of dollars comes with it, and perhaps an inexpensive house, well then, all the better. That type of lure has created interest in a Sacramento company that is the subject of our cover story (see “No one home”). Apparently, not all dreams of quick financial success come true.

Some people are content to be actors, and not the fabulously wealthy kind. Seven years ago, Greg Coffin was one of them. But over time, this veteran of local stages began to get the itch to write parts for other people to act, along with songs for them to sing. The result is Convenience, a somewhat autobiographical musical about the relationship between a single mother and her son, and what happens when the son grows up and comes out. (See “The butterfly trick.”)

In the wrong hands, that subject matter might make for a trite musical. But Coffin brings a human dignity to his characters, and there’s something in his play that connects with audiences on a deep emotional level. The play will debut this month at the Sacramento Theatre Company, perhaps heralding the emergence of another major talent from right here in Sacramento. Apparently, some dreams, when combined with hard work and talent, do come true.