Penned by the two time Tony-nominee, with an original score by Randy Redd, the work is described as "an absurd musical satire that charts the career of eternally up-and-coming (and fictitious) musical theatre composer Jacob Sterling (Pittu). A rare, up close and personal visit with an artist of questionable gifts who performs from his songbook and shares his human struggle to keep musical theatre alive and well in the 21st century." Veteran character actor Bartlett (The Drowsy Chaperone) is making his Atlantic debut as the host of a musical theatre talk show, interviewing Pittu's composer-performer character, Jacob Sterling.

Pittu and Atlantic artistic director Neil Pepe co-direct.

This "comedy with vocal selections" begins performances at the Atlantic Theater Company Sept. 2 for a scheduled limited run through Sept. 28.

What's That Smell is the first production of the Atlantic Stage 2 season, which focuses on the development of new works.

For more information visit www.atlantictheater.org.

Here are the cast, directors and composer in rehearsals:

Co-director Neil Pepe, David Pittu and composer Randy Redd

Randy Redd, Neil Pepe, Peter Bartlett and David Pittu