Daniella Topol (Lascivious Something, Pool Boy) directs the premiere, which will run through May 29 on the Alley's Neuhaus Stage.

Joseph's drama Gruesome Playground Injuries, which was recently seen Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theatre, received its world premiere at the Alley in 2009. Joseph is an Alley Company Artist, and Monster at the Door (previously titled The Medusa Body) is being developed as part of the Alley's New Play Initiative.

Portia, who starred Off-Broadway in the Pulitzer-winning drama Ruined, plays Maya, with Rebecca Brooksher (Dying City) as Tonise, Adam Green (All This Intimacy) as Jesse, Brian Reddy (A Free Man of Color) as Vince and James A. Stephens (45 Seconds from Broadway) as Fergueson.

Here's how the Alley bills the work: "Meteors are falling, Sirens are calling, and priceless works of art are disappearing from the global headquarters of Connor Fergueson and White, a securities firm with blood on its hands. In this darkly funny play, five very different people are drawn together as the world around them crumbles, and their dreams of health and prosperity are threatened by something terrifying, just outside their door."

The production has scenic design by Kevin Rigdon, costume design by Amy Clark, lighting design by Tyler Micoleau and sound design by Jill BC DuBoff. Fight direction is by Brian Byrnes.

Joseph's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and opened to critical praise on Broadway this March, starring Robin Williams. His plays also include Animals Out of Paper, which received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Play.

Tickets are available by visiting AlleyTheatre. The Alley Theatre is located at 615 Texas Avenue in Houston, TX.