After a hit Los Angeles run in 1999 and an ACE Award win, Marco Greco and his Behind the Counter with Mussolini returns to the City of Angels Feb. 7-March 30 at the Met Theatre. Opening night is Feb. 14.

Behind the Counter , featuring a solo performance by Greco, describes young Armando's journey into manhood behind the deli counter, under the dictatorship of his father Michael, who once had the word "Mozzarella" whispered in his ear by none other than Il Duche. Greco's father owned The World Famous Mike's Deli in the Bronx, where Greco himself worked for fifteen years making mozzarella. The performance also features Greco showing off his skills as a mozzarella sculptor, shaping various animals out of everyone's favorite stringy cheese. Samples are available during the intermission.

Greco's credits include Over the River and Through the Woods, Titus Andronicus and Italian-American Reconciliation. He is co-founder of New York City's Belmont Italian American Playhouse.

Stephen Adly Guirgis directs Behind the Counter. A member of the LAByrinth Theatre Company, he is the author of In Arabia, We'd All Be Kings and Jesus Hopped the A Train.

Tickets are $15. The Great Scott Theatre at the Met is located at 1089 North Oxford Avenue in Hollywood. For reservations, call (323) 957-1152. — By Christine Ehren