Howard Michael Gould’s comedy “Diva” will conclude its run at the Malibu Stage Co. this weekend. Zuma Repertory Theatre founder and artistic director Richard Johnson is directing the play.
“Diva” was initially produced as a workshop by the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts in July 2001. The play made its world premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, Calif. in September 2001.
The comedy tells the behind-the-scenes story of Deanna Denninger, a 40-something-year-old actress with a super-sized ego who stars in “Deanna,” a popular network television sitcom. Deanna, who has been around the block more than once and isn’t afraid to kiss-and-tell, brings her Hollywood “A-list” theatrics to the set daily, driving her lead writer-producer, agent and other co-workers to hysterics. With her fiery temper and sharp-toothed wit, Deanna’s out-of-control antics and outrageous demands ultimately lead to her undoing, the undoing of her show and of her personal relationships. Serving as “an insider’s guide to working in Hollywood,” the play tells a tale of lies, deceit and self-serving motives that lead many astray.
Author Gould wrote “Diva” following stints as a television writer and producer on several hit sitcoms, including the CBS comedy series “Cybill.”
The show will run on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets for all shows are $20. They can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets by calling 800.838.3006 or at brownpapertickets.com.