If you haven't yet gotten Weird with Houston's Theatre LaB [sic] and their production of playwright William Mastrosimone's (Extremities) latest, you might want to do so soon. Like Totally Weird finishes up on Dec. 19.
Weird is Mastrosimone's satirical critique of the movie industry, something he knows well, having himself written five screenplays. Set in the home of Hollywood actor/director/writer Russ Rigel on the morning after the Golden Globe Awards, two 16 year-old intruders hold Russ and his girlfriend captive. The hostage-takers then reenact scenes from Rigel's graphically violent films.
Starring in the play are Mark J. Roberts, JeanAnn Hutsell, Dustin Ross and Peter Babb.
Weird is the final production of the LaB's 1998 season and replaces James Maynard's The Day the Earth Stood Still on the schedule. Weird made its debut at the 1998 Humana Festival in Louisville, KY.
William Mastrosimone's Like Totally Weird runs at Theatre LaB Houston through Dec. 19. For tickets ($18-$20) or more information call (713) 868-7516. -- By Sean McGrath