LOS ANGELES -- The Scuttlebutt! is coming to town, with a two-man cast playing 20 different characters in an evening of quick changes.

The comedy opens July 16 at the Zephyr Theatre, with Bill Birch and Ken Polk performing a show about the wacky inhabitants of Sweet Home, Mississippi.

In Scuttlebutt!, TV talk show sensation Larry Stringer is coming to the small town to seek out new talent for his top-rated program, and the place goes wild with excitement. As it turns out, the town is a hotbed of gossip, hidden sexuality, otherworldly cults and deep truths. Naturally, all the town's secrets emerge during the play.

Birch, who has studied with The Groundlings, said Scuttlebutt! was inspired by an airing of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which was once broadcast live from Amarillo, Texas.

Presented by Timi Prulhiere and Birch in association with Stage Left Productions, Scuttlebutt! is being directed by Groundlings' company member Jennifer Joyce. The show runs 8 PM Thursday through Saturday, and 7 PM Sunday, through August 30. Previews are 8 PM July 11, and 7 PM July 12. Tickets are $18 and $20 and can be reserved by calling (213) 660 8587. The Zephyr Theatre is at 7456 Melrose Ave.

-- By Michael Farkash
Southern California Correspondent