Jo Bonney — who directed the Off-Broadway run in 2004 — staged the work for the California company as well. Previews began May 5, and the show opened May 11 for a run originally scheduled through June 10. The engagement recently extended through July 1 and does so again (through July 15) with a new cast.

LaBute's tale centers on a man who is in love with a witty, intellectual and interesting woman — despite his trepidations about her weight. But can he deal with his friends and co-workers' reactions?

Atkinson, a former recurring guest star on "Rescue Me," starred in the lead role of Neil LaBute's play Fat Pig Off-Broadway. The actress can currently be seen in the world premiere of Marisa Wegrzyn's The Butcher of Baraboo in New York City (through June 30). She also appears in the pilot for the upcoming series "Cashmere Mafia."

Atkinson will join the L.A. production of Fat Pig July 3. The new cast will also feature Jon Bernthal (The Resistible Rise of Artura Ui, The  Fifth of July), JaiMe Ray Newman (Turnaround, "I'm Paige Wilson") and Joe Sikora (Killer Joe, The Caine Mutiny Court Marshall).

The current cast includes Scott Wolf ("Party of Five," Side Man), Kirsten Vangsness (Mulholland Christmas Carol, Book of Liz), Andrea Anders ("The Class," The Graduate) and Chris Pine (The Atheist, "Smokin' Aces"). Bonney's many Off-Broadway directorial credits include Some Girls, All That I Will Ever Be, subUrbia, On the Mountain, A Soldier's Play and The Seven.

The design team comprises Louisa Thompson (sets), Tina Haatainen Jones (costumes), Lap-Chi Chu (lighting) and Colbert Davis IV (sound).

LaBute's plays include bash: latter-day plays, The Shape of Things, The Distance From Here, The Mercy Seat, Autobahn, This Is How It Goes, Some Girls and Wrecks. He is also the writer-director of the films "In the Company of Men," "Your Friends and Neighbors," "Nurse Betty," "Possession," "The Shape of Things" and "Wicker Man."

Tickets to Fat Pig at the Geffen, 10886 Le Conte Avenue in Los Angeles, are on sale by calling (310) 209-1328 or online at geffenplayhouse.com.