After a reign of two months, Behind the Counter with Mussolini , written by Martin Greco and Dante Albertie, will end its run at the Theatre at St. Peter's Church Jan. 3, 1999. Behind the Counter , featuring a solo performance by Greco, describes his journey into manhood behind the deli counter, under the dictatorship of his father -- Il Duche. Greco's father owned The World Famous Mike's Deli in the Bronx, where Greco himself worked for fifteen years making mozzarella. The performance, co-written with Dante Albertie, also features Greco showing off his skills as a mozzarella sculptor, shaping various animals out of everyone's favorite stringy cheese.

Marco Greco's Behind the Counter with Mussolini at The Theatre at Saint Peter's Church (619 Lexington Ave) runs through Jan. 3, 1999. For tickets ($30) or more information, call (212) 935-5820.

-- By Sean McGrath