Penned by Rivers, Doug Bernstein and Denis Markell, the autobiographical play will run through Sept. 2 at the California stage. Mark Rucker (Luminescence Dating) directs a cast that also features such local favorites as Carrie Paff, Susannah Livingston and Lucas Rocco Alifano.

"I am so excited that the people at the prestigious Magic Theatre are stupid enough to let me do a workshop of my new play in their hallowed grounds," Rivers said in a previous announcement. "Obviously, the rumors of my porn film, that was accidentally released, have not hit San Francisco yet."

The star and her creative team will continue developing the piece throughout the limited run and will also participate in post-show talkbacks.

The Joan Rivers Theatre Project is a comedy "set in a dressing room just before Hollywood's biggest award show [where] Joan must muster all her strength and ingenuity to survive yet another year," according to show notes. "The network has a new entertainment director and if this year's puny cheese platter is any indication, Joan is in big trouble."

The design team includes Erik Flatmo (set), Kurt Landisman (lighting), Katherine Roth (costumes), Sara Huddleston (sound) and Brian Degan Scott (video). Maggie Bell serves as stage manager. The Aug. 16 and 17 performances will benefit Positive Resource Center and Magnet, two Bay Area non-profit organizations that address LGBT issues in the community.

Rivers made her Broadway stage debut in Fun City and later was a replacement player in Neil Simon's Broadway Bound. A stand-up comic making guest host appearances on "The Tonight Show," Rivers eventually hosted her own talk show, "The Joan Rivers Show." She received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress for her turn in Sally Marr...and Her Escorts Ñ which she also co wrote.

Tickets to The Joan Rivers Theatre Project at the Magic Theatre, Fort Mason Center (Building D) in San Francisco, CA, are available by calling (415) 441-8822. For more information visit the Magic Theatre website at magictheatre.org.