Well known for portraying Carmine Ragusa on the popular television series "Laverne & Shirley," Mekka earned a Tony nomination for his performance of The Lieutenant. For the Off-Broadway run, Mekka assumes the role of Steve, originated by Italian + Jewish = Therapy creator Steve Solomon. "This marks my first time on a New York stage in three decades," Mekka said in a previous statement. "People know me best for my television work, but the stage has always been my first love and I've never left it. Nothing beats getting up in front of a live audience and there's nothing like playing to a New York audience. Steve has written an incredibly funny show with a lot of heart. I've always been a big fan of Steve's and the show so I can’t wait for the therapy session to begin."

In addition to his television roles on "Laverne & Shirley," Mekka has appeared on "24," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "The Big Easy" and "The Jamie Foxx Show." Mekka's stage credits also include The Magic Show, Jumpers, and national tours of Grease, Fiddler on the Roof and The Goodbye Girl.

Italian + Jewish = Therapy, according to press notes, "relates to the wacky side of the human condition, combining comic voices, sound effects and astounding characters — bringing alive a myriad of people from all walks of life."

Show times are Tuesdays at 7 PM, Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8 PM with matinees Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM.

The Westside Theatre is located in Manhattan at 407 West 43rd Street. Tickets, priced $61.25-$71.25, are available by calling (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.telecharge.com.

For more information visit www.italianjewishtherapy.com.