The Common Man of Matthew Klein's world-premiere comedy is a simple guy with a wish: to open a Mafia-themed restaurant and club. Unfortunately, he gets involved with the mob in order to realize his dream. The Common Man plays Jan. 17-March 2 at the MET Theatre. Opening night is Jan. 24.

Klein plays Japs Peretti, who uses his fringe connections to New York's underworld to finance his restaurant. When a hit goes badly, however, the gangland kingpin he's hooked up with expects Japs to sort through the "remains" and find a lost safe deposit key. When he fails, the dreaded assassin Slopes is sent out to find him.

Art La Fleur, veteran of such films as "The Replacements," "Maverick" and "You're in the Army Now," is Slopes. Also in the cast are Kevin Brief, Carl Johnson and Greg Littman.

Frequent Charlayne Woodard helmer Stuart K. Robinson directs. His works with Woodard include Pretty Fire, In Real Life and Neat.

Tickets are $20. The MET Theatre is located at 1089 North Oxford Avenue in Hollywood. For reservations, call (323) 957-1152. The MET Theatre is located at http://www.theMETtheatre.com. – By Christine Ehren