For director David Mandel, 183 Questions began as an improv exercise. There was a scenario — a group of people arrive the night before a wedding at a Dakota sweat lodge — but Mandel, author and co-star of Xenamenofrito, peppered the situation by asking each participant 183 questions on life, love and current events. Through the answers the cast of 183 Questions created the characters they will play Nov. 12-14 at the MET Theatre. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross and the not-for-profit MET Theatre.

Among the eccentric wedding attendees are a poet laureate from 2999, a bad luck temp from Ohio, a computer hacker with a mission and a friendly trucker with a knack for fishing. Performing these oddballs are Stuart Barron, Linus David Cate, Nino Gabaldon, Victoria Heric, Kara Keeley and Annie Oelschlager.

183 Questions was co-written by Tara-Beth Conolly of Sacred Fools. She portrayed a giant turnip in the Fools' Grimm! and is at work on a sequel to that collection of little known Grimm fairy tales, Grimm Too!, which will debut at the MET in 2002.

Tickets are $10. The MET Theatre is located at 1089 North Oxford Avenue in Hollywood. For reservations, call (323) 957-1152. The MET Theatre is on the web at http://www.themettheatre.com.

— By Christine Ehren