Before Pauley Pavilion opened its doors, basketball games were played at the Student Activities Center.

Whether or not theatergoers who come to see “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” at the Geffen Playhouse are knowledgeable about the history of African-American actresses in Hollywood, chances are by the time the curtains close they will not only have gained interest in the topic, but also feel a desire to be friends with the fictional subject of the play.