Venus Attacks!, Debbie Kasper and Sheila Kay's spoof of feminist self-help seminars, will kick off Jan. 19 at the Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica. Kasper and Kay also star in the 75-minute show, which pokes fun at women, self-esteem, body image, women's rights and men's wrongs. Directed by Alexander Yannis Stephano, Venus Attacks! will run through Feb. 15.

Among the characters the audience will meet are: Dr. Candy Box, the 98-year-old sexpert host of the hit radio talk show, "Sex: It Shouldn't Cost More Than a Buck"; Dr. Simpatico, the self-esteem surgeon who says, "The secret to happiness is to be able to look at yourself, naked in a mirror, from behind, without having to drink"; ex-Mafia wife Carmella Gambino, creator of the "Visualization" technique "Awaken the Bitch Within," who explains "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach...but that's only if you twist the blade and lift up!;" and Sister Zing, author of "Women Are From Bras, Men Are From Penis."

Kasper is a two-time Emmy nominee for writing "The Rosie O'Donnell Show." Kay is a top stand-up comic who will be seen in two new films, "Destination Mars" and "Chasing Indigo."

Powerhouse Theatre is located at 3116 Second Street. For tickets and information call (310) 396-3680 or visit [email protected]

— By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent