Gregory Messer stars as "Miss Desmond" in the world premiere of the transvestite musical comedy Miss Desmond Behind Bars opening Aug. 13 at the Court Theatre in W. Hollywood. Mark Goff, Marc Ian Sklar, Messer and David Bouzas are the writers. Original music and orchestrations by Leo Savalas, nephew of the late Telly Savalas.
A comic, camp, whatever-happened-to look at the life of Hollywood's most infamous fading star, the show is set in a women's prison and includes such characters as a tough-as-nails female guard, Desmond's manservant Max and gossip queen Hedda Hopper.
The musical is directed by Erin Quigley and features 12 original songs performed by an all-male cast doing all-female roles. In the ensemble are Bouzas, Marcus Knight, Carlos Penaranda, Murray Phillips, Chris Sands, Scott Scarboro, Sklar, Ron Watson and Messer.
The Court Theatre is located at 722 N. La Cienaga Blvd. For tickets and information call (310) 289-2999.
-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent