The cast includes Daphnee McMaster,  left, Michael Steven Contreras, Brandon Kegerize,  and Tricia Corcoran

  Next up at Genesius Theatre  is Douglas Carter Beane’s: “The Little Dog Laughed.”

  The play tells the tale of Mitchell Green, a movie star on the rise, and his “slight ... recurring case of homosexuality” which his agent. Diane, desperately attempts to keep in check. When Mitchell finds himself drawn into deeper emotional waters with a “rent boy,” Alex, his life is turned upside down. Will he jeopardize his career for love? Will Alex accept being hidden in plain sight as Mitchell’s personal assistant to make the relationship possible?

  The play was nominated for two Tony Awards in 2007: Best Play and Leading Actress in a Play. Julie White won Leading Actress for her portrayal of Diane. 

  “The Little Dog Laughed” is the first Genesius staging of a play by Genesius alum, Douglas Carter Beane. Beane’s other credits include the plays: “As Bees in Honey Drown,” “The Country Club,” “Advice from a Caterpillar” (play and screenplay), “Lysistrata Jones,” “Xanadu,” and script doctoring for “Sister Act.” For film, he wrote the screenplay for the cult favorite: “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.”

  The production is rated R and includes adult situations and male nudity.

  The cast includes Tricia Corcoran  (Diane), Michael Steven Contreras (Mitchell Green), Brandon Kegerize (Alex), and Genesius newcomer Daphnee McMaster (Ellen). The show is directed by Kirk Lawrence.

  Performances are Oct. 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 8 p.m., Oct. 23 and 30 at 3 p.m., and Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.Tickets are $15 for all seats at all performances.

  For tickets and more information visit the Genesius Website at www.genesiustheatre.org or call the Genesius Reservation Hot-Line at 610-373-9500.   The theatre is located at 10th and Walnut streets, in Reading.  Genesius has free parking next to the theater, just off 10th Street and is handicap accessible.


For a sneak peek, go to http://youtu.be/NG1fNwZ5dYw

For up-to-date  area theater information, follow me on Twitter @MercArtsCheryl