L.A.'s Geffen Playhouse Extends 'Fat Pig' through July 1

The Geffen Playhouse has added an additional two weeks of performances to the West Coast premiere of Neil LaBute's Fat Pig at its Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater. 

The production continues with eight shows per week, and now closes on Sunday, July 1, 2007.   Directed by Jo Bonney, the play stars Scott Wolf (Tom) and Kirsten Vangsness (Helen) who take the lead on debating morality as Chris Pine (Carter) and Andrea Anders (Jeannie) agitate conscience.  LaBute's cynical play explores a larger-than-life dilemma when love and affection go against the grain of conventional society. 

"Looking for Ms. Right, Tom meets Helen and is bowled over by her wit, her intellect and her interests, with one problem:  Helen is fat. Overcoming his own bias for her love, Tom doesn't account for the reaction of friends and co-workers, forcing a man to choose between the woman he loves and how others perceive her," state press notes.  The original production dates for this run have changed; previews performances for Fat Pig are May 5 through May 10, 2007, with Opening Night occurring on Friday, May 11th.  The play runs through June 10, 2007. 

New York's MCC Theater debuted LaBute's play Fat Pig in fall 2004.  Directed by Jo Bonney, the original cast featured Jeremy Piven (Tom), Ashlie Atkinson (Helen), Keri Russell (Jeannie) and Andrew McCarthy (Carter).

LaBute's plays include Wrecks, Some Girl(s), Fat Pig, This is How It Goes, The Distance from Here and The Shape of Things (the latter was adapted into a film).  His film credits include The Wicker Man, Possession, Your Friends and Neighbors, Nurse Betty and The Company of Men.

Anders has appeared on Broadway in The Graduate with Kathleen Turner and Lorraine Bracco; Proof with Mary Louise Parker. Regional credits include On the Jump at Arena Stage and New Doors at the Guthrie Theatre. Film and TV work includes The Stepford Wives, "The Class," and "Law & Order."  

Pine has been seen Off-Broadway in The Atheist, and regionally in Big Love; The Burden of Flowers; The Marriage of Bette & Boo; Once in a Lifetime; The King Stag; All That's Shiny; Lola; Frank's Wild Years; Renaissance; and A Window (Williamstown Theatre Festival). Film credits include Carriers; Smokin' Aces; and Just My Luck.  "Six Feet Under" is among his TV credits. 

Wolf has appeared on Broadway in Side Man (John Golden Theatre).  Regional credits include Marching Towards the Somme (Williamstown Theater Festival, and the Lincoln Center), and Far East and Dead End (Williamstown Theater Festival). He is well-known for his work on "Party of Five," as well as "Everwood," "Spin City" and other shows.  

Vangsness has appeared in L.A. in Mulholland Christmas Carol (L.A. Weekly Award); Fan Maroo, Fish Without Flippers, Learned Ladies (Theatre of NOTE); Book of Liz (The Blank); God's Country, Bright Room Called Day, and Slippery People (Open Fist), among others.   Film work includes In My Sleep, and Shooting Blanks. TV credits include "Criminal Minds."

The production features sets by Louisa Thompson, costumes by Tina Haatainen Jones, lighting by Lap-Chi Chu and sound by Colbert S. Davis IV.

Tickets ($55) are on sale now at the Geffen Playhouse box office, online at www.GeffenPlayhouse.com, via credit card phone order at 310.208.5454, at all Ticketmaster outlets (Robinsons May and Ritmo Latino locations), or by calling Ticketmaster at 213.365.3500. Eight performances are scheduled per week: Tuesday through Thursdays at 8 p.m.; Fridays at 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  Adult rush tickets ($35) and student rush tickets ($15) are available 10 minutes prior to curtain. For general information or to request a brochure, call 310.208.5454, or visit the theatre's website.

Photo - Scott Wolf