Cam (Natasha Charles Parker), center, surrounded by (clockwise from l), her sister Wendy (Angela Stern); the four Miseries: Paranoia (Yanna Fabian), Despair (Alexander Price), Dread (Karen Nicole), and Angst (Lamont Webb); and her lover Grace (Jonica Patella), in a scene from “Kill Me,” now playing at the Lex Theatre through June 2.

Threatening yet thought provoking at the same time, Visceral Company’s premiere of Kill Me combines excellent acting and very dark subject matter to examine the horrors and ravages caused by mental illness.

Cam (Natasha Charles Parker) experiences an horrific car accident, emerging from a coma convinced that beings from another dimension have made her immortal. Her sister Wendy (Angela Stern) and lover Grace (Jonica Patella) suspect she is suffering from mental illness. How do we escape the demons torturing us, and are they real, or merely figments of our imagination?

Director Dan Spurgeon injects a strong sense of danger and darkness from the beginning, keeping the production off-kilter and energetic. He draws vivid performances from the three women. Patella gives Grace a questioning, trusting vulnerability, contrasting nicely with Stern’s controlling, tough Wendy. Parker’s Cam effectively moves from anxiously shaky to downright destroyed and broken.

Production work is first-rate, really selling the story. John McCormick’s sinister sound effects, Dave Sousa’s foreboding and spooky lighting, and Ben Womick and Jana Wimer’s simple but evocative set design bring a visceral realism to the piece. Erica D. Schwartz’s costume design and Wimer’s makeup work are both frightening and hokey at the same time.

The production is strictly for mature audiences only because of extremely intense subject matter and graphic language.

Kill Me features fine performances and spot-on design work for those who enjoy horror and gory subject matter or the exploration of the dark interiors of the human mind.

The Visceral Company presents Kill Me Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. through June 2 at the Lex Theatre located at 6760 Lexington Ave. in Hollywood. Tickets cost $20, and advance tickets are available for purchase at thevisceralcompany.com.

The cast of “The Zone Ranger” in “PL.A.Y NOIR.”

Kingpins and gun molls out looking for dark dives, shady characters, and sleazy business need look no further than Punk Monkey Productions’ presentation of PL.A.Y NOIR. Combining the rat-a-tat-tat lingo of 1940s film noir, black comedy, and hilarious characterizations, the production parodies the dark sensibilities of the mystery genre.

Four one acts skewer the themes and conventions of movie mysteries: reticent witnesses, overly confident private dicks, hard-as-nails bimbos, clueless suspects, and shady officials.

“Speak No Evil” presents a mute street vendor (Andrew J. Hillis) who witnesses a murder and enlists the help of a down-at-his-heels private detective (Adam Hunter Howard) to bring the killer (Art Oden) to justice. Hillis’ woeful, puppy dog eyes speak volumes, while Howard wisely underplays.

Witty and playful, “Desperate Desires” blends forties lingo with contemporary references to archly satirize deadly dames and overly self-involved dicks, aided by the rhythmic energy and steely persona of Jim Shipley.

Over the top and hilarious, “The Zone Ranger” pushes stereotypes to extremes with corrupt politicians (Sarah Kelly, Michael C. Silva), slap-happy “businessmen” (Howard), and a take-no-prisoners private eye (James Elden), but possesses sexy chemistry and timing between Elden and Kelly, and a silly, odd duck performance by Silva.

“Outside Job” blends an old dark house mystery with clueless couples (Silva, Rebecca Herrick, Christopher Flowers, Elisa Dyann) as a weekend party host winds up dead and the four guests suggest an “outside job.”

Dark goings-on get the comedy treatment in the funny PL.A.Y NOIR.

Punk Monkey Productions presents PL.A.Y NOIR Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. through May 26 at the Actors Workout Studio located at 4735 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood. Tickets cost $17 online, and $20 at the door. Please visit playnoirla.com or call 1-800-838-3006 to purchase tickets.

Alan (Joe Fiske) tries to convince Connie (Carla Betz) not to quit her job in ELATE’s production of “Come Blow Your Horn” by Neil Simon.

Blending zingy one-liners and zany family goings-on, Neil Simon’s Come Blow Your Horn loosely examines what it means to grow up and be a man. ELATE Theatre’s revival of Simon’s inaugural play combines fine acting and a nice comic touch to gently promote making responsible life choices.

Womanizing playboy Alan Baker (Joe Fiske) welcomes innocent younger brother Buddy (Jon D’Acunto) into his apartment after Buddy leaves the family home and steps out on his own for the first time. While Mr. and Mrs. Baker (Stanley Brown and Marilyn Lazik) kvetch over their empty nest and wandering children, Alan increasingly longs for Connie (Carla Betz), one of several women in his life, while Buddy falls for Alan’s irrepressible lifestyle. Can the Baker family come to terms with what it means to grow up and let go?

Director Fiske draws fine performances from his cast, who bring nice energy, chemistry, and timing to the production. D’Acunto gives thoughtful vulnerability to the uptight Buddy, while Fiske imbues the playful Alan with teasing charm. Sonia Rockwell’s sexy bunny Peggy Evans contrasts nicely with Betz’s strong, thoughtful Connie. Brown’s dry, sarcastic father plays well against Lazik’s overbearing, guilt-giving mother.

Production work is spot-on, particularly the accessories decorating the swinging 1960s bachelor pad.

A story about finding love, responsibility, and yourself, Come Blow Your Horn combines funny quips and family values to reveal one man’s gentle growth into a responsible human being.

ELATE Theatre presents Come Blow Your Horn Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 19 at the Lincoln Stegman Theater in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church located at 6020 Radford Ave. in North Hollywood. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students 13 and under. Call (818) 509-0882 for reservations.

From l, Joe Sistrom (Anthony Starke), Billy Wilder (Kevin Blake), Raymond Chandler (Shaun O’Hagan), and Helen Hernandez (Ali Spuck) in the world premiere of “Billy & Ray” at the Falcon Theatre.

A loving recreation of 1940s behind-the-scenes Hollywood, the Falcon Theatre’s entertaining world premiere production of Billy & Ray blends acerbic humor with telling detail in revealing how disparate writers Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler created the classic film Double Indemnity. Touching as well as laugh-out-loud funny, the presentation features outstanding acting and writing in its depiction of film noir’s oddest coupling.

Writer Mike Bencivenga’s witty script combines potent zingers, sly in-jokes, and pointed commentary to examine the messy creative process whereby two writing legends challenged each other and the studio system to develop a film noir classic.

Director Garry Marshall keeps the action and quips flowing through fast pacing and dynamic rhythm. He builds effective emotional and character arcs throughout the show, enhanced by the cast’s fine timing. Marshall draws excellent performances from the small cast, with leads Kevin Blake and Shaun O’Hagan exhibiting a palpable chemistry with each other. O’Hagan lends dignity to the brittle, repressed Chandler, while Blake injects lethal wit to Wilder. Ali Spuck provides infectious charm as wisecracking secretary Helen Hernandez, and Anthony Starke gives an expressive performance as worrywart executive Joe Sistrom.

Production work is also first-rate, from Keith Mitchell’s sleek, studio office sets, to Jeremy Pivnick’s dramatic film noirish lighting, to Terri A. Lewis’ elegant interpretation of 1940s’ wardrobe, save for the contemporary ties and golf hat.

Billy & Ray hilariously presents the creative battles involved in producing the film Double Indemnity, while providing a sympathetic look at two writing legends. The Falcon Theatre presents Billy and Ray Wednesdays—Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. through April 28 at the Falcon Theatre located at 4252 Riverside Dr. in Burbank. Tickets cost $34.50-$37 Wednesdays-Thursdays, and $39.50-$42 Fridays-Sundays. Students with valid IDs can purchase $27 tickets. Tickets can be purchased online at falcontheatre.com or by calling (818) 955-8101.

From l, Noemi, Narrator, and Jacob (Norma Burgess, Skip Pipo, and Bradley Bornemann) in “The Golgotha Project.”

Combining imaginative writing, heart, and gentle comedy, ELATE Theatre presents a unique, new way of presenting the Easter story that is entertaining and accessible for all audiences in their production of The Golgotha Project. Fine acting and enthusiasm by the large cast make the story come alive before our very eyes.

Writer/Director Jeff Zimmer fashions a creative way of retelling the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection, making them entertaining but telling for audiences. He blends various styles of humor that gently lead to the emotional climax of the story and its life-affirming resolution. Everyone from Sid Caesar, Cesar Romero, Cal Worthington, and Laurel and Hardy turn up in some fashion to help advance the plot.

The Golgotha Project tells the story of Jesus and his disciples through “eyewitnesses” to the events of those few weeks, piecing together their tiny slices of memories to create a vivid picture of this man Jesus and “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”

Director Zimmer brings excellent energy to the production, and develops fine timing among the large cast, moving them in and out of the creative but simple set.

Skip Pipo gracefully ties everything together as Narrator, ably assisted by scribes Bradley T. Bornemann as Jacob and Norma Burgess as Noemi. Tim Aberdeen and Stanley Brown excel as “we’ve got a deal!” rug sellers the Rumani brothers, along with fine work by Tom Reilly.

The Golgotha Project imaginatively but warmly brings the Easter story and its wonders to life.

ELATE Theatre presents The Golgotha Project Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 17, at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, April 7, at 2 p.m., at the Lincoln Stegman Theatre located at 6020 Radford Ave. in North Hollywood. Tickets cost $12; $10 for seniors and kids thirteen and under. Call (818) 509-0882 for reservations, group rates, and information, or visit elatefaithweb.com.

Luis Selgas and Marcie Lynn Ross in “Therapy.”

Thoughtful and well-acted, Therapy examines relationships and connections through the eyes and practices of three skillful therapists. The world premiere production demonstrates that even consummate professionals at work can still be clueless when it comes to personal relationships.

When a new client begins therapy for all the wrong reasons, an emotional rollercoaster ride begins for three therapists, revealing unexpected connections and feelings.

While technically a drama, Therapy contains some nice comic moments that help keep the presentation from getting too heavy. The story feels a touch long and a little uneven, however, with too much jumping between characters and scenes.

Writer/director Jeff Bernhardt keeps energy high by choreographing the action around three sets on the small, cramped stage, but the production feels claustrophobic at times. He draws fine timing and excellent performances from his small cast.

Jed Sura brings a warm empathy to the sensitive, intelligent Steven. His understated but solid turn anchors the show. Lynn Ann Leveridge makes Moira a caring, concerned earth mother, full of charm, grace, and concern. Luis Selgas’ sullen, sarcastic Lance gradually lets down his guard to reveal a lost but likable young man. Marcie Lynn Ross gives some life to the problematic character Sandra.

Production work is first rate, particularly the beautiful sets by Eloise Ayala. She skillfully creates office spaces that reflect the differing personas of each therapist. Lighting and sound work by Brandon Hawkinson and Jeff Gardner respectively, also help shape the elegant feel of the show.

Therapy plays Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. through March 17 at the Secret Rose Theatre located at 11246 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood. Tickets cost $25. To purchase tickets or for further information, visit brownpapertickets.com, or call 1-800-838-3006.

From l, Brandon Scott and Brian Joseph Ochab with the band Saint Tone behind them in “Deja Vu2.”

Presenting an intimate evening of music, magic, and mischief, Actors Forum Theatre featured magicians Brandon Scott and Brian Joseph Ochab with their Presto Magic Café and Déjà Vu2 Feb. 15 through 17 as a fundraiser for the theatre’s “New Projects” program. The fun and festive evening showcased Scott and Ochab presenting amazing illusions, along with guest performances by actors and the band Saint Tone.

The production centered around “proprietors” Ochab and Scott engaging in a typical night at their tiny café, performing themselves, telling stories, listening to the band, auditioning acts, and dealing with the silly staff.

The glib Scott and the self-deprecating Ochab made an engaging team, blending their different personalities into a playful partnership. They worked well together, possessing fine timing and chemistry, as they just naturally seem to tell stories. As they bantered, they mixed in intriguing sleight-of-hand tricks employing playing cards and other items. The evening featured as much gentle laughter as exciting illusions.

Director Harry Evry kept the production energetic and moving around the intimate stage, especially with many of the tricks involving audience participation.

Other performers were weaved into proceedings, like the sexy but vulnerable house manager Malaika Millions, wisecracking waitress Bonnie Gordon, and Karen Knotts as silly Flash the Clown. Ventriloquist Christine Barger employed audience members as live dummies during one of her skits.

During breaks between tricks, the band Saint Tone performed some fine original rock songs that examined relationships and personalities.

The entertaining evening featured eclectic cabaret at its best.

Magic Tree Productions and Transmersive Media presented Deja Vu2 February 15 through 17 at the Actors Forum Theatre located at 10655 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood as a fundraiser for the theatre.

Featuring Jessica Blair as Frankie and Bert Rotundo as Johnny.

Writer E. M. Forster uses the epigraph, “Only Connect,” in his novel Howard’s End. Playwright Terrence McNally reiterates this idea in his thoughtful and emotional Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, with would-be lovers Frankie and Johnny attempting to cement a relationship. Sal Romeo and Friends and Artists’ production of this play features moving work by actors bravely laying bare their characters’ lives.

Playing off the names from a vintage song, McNally crafts a story of two hurting people looking for refuge and love. Scared and self-conscious Frankie (Jessica Blair), a waitress at a local restaurant, reciprocates the attraction of the spontaneous, irrepressible Johnny (Bert Rotundo), the diner’s cook. Can both characters confront their demons and take the risk of love after spending an intense evening together?

Director Franc Ross crafts an intimate, expressive production that boldly confronts human frailty and need. The presentation realistically captures the messiness of life, the push/pull dynamics of a romantic relationship. Production work also enhances proceedings.

Ross draws excellent work from his cast, both of whom emotionally reveal all vulnerabilities. Blair’s nervous, unsure Frankie hides behind brusqueness to conceal the hurting woman within. Rotundo brings a likable warmth to the energetic, passionate Johnny. The couple possesses fine chemistry, humor, and timing, playing off each other well.

This production is strictly for adults only however, containing explicit nudity, language, and situations.

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune powerfully examines what it means to vulnerably risk expressing romantic love.

Sal Romeo and Friends and Artists presents Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. through March 3 at the Sidewalk Studio Theatre located at 4150 Riverside Dr. in Toluca Lake. Tickets cost $10. For reservations, call (818) 558-5702, or visit brownpapertickets.com/event/313073 or facebook.com/BLTdown.

The cast of “An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein.” From l, back row: Lily Marks, Drew Moyer, Rachel Amanda Bryant, Katie Moloney, and Tiffany Sutton. From l, front row: Jennifer Cannon, Elizabeth Willaman, Dan Mason, Kimberly Jürgen, and Muneeb Rehman.

Maybe the fall remodeling at the Sizzler on Los Feliz was more than coincidental. The newest Souplantation arrived across the boulevard with the holidays. The opposing chains appeal pretty much to the same family clientele with budget self service salad bars. A $10 bill goes a considerable distance at either place.

There are some notable differences. The Sizzler is much more comfortable, less congested and noisy, while the less spacious Souper has a fast food feel – complete with plastic plates. A big TV advertiser, the Sizzler features hot entrees including steak and seafood at extra cost while limited hot dishes are part of the Souper’s regular fare.

A superior salad bar remains the Sizzler‘s claim to fame while the Souplantation scores with an array of masterful kettles. Either place has adjoining parking plus bustling, friendly staffers. Take your pick or alternate, both places represent a solid value.

Just when you thought you own all the necessary cookbooks along comes The Dead Celebrity Cookbook compiled by veteran broadcaster Frank DeCaro. Among many demised chefs included are Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, Patrick Swayze, Mae West, and Sammy Davis Jr.

Here’s a favorite dish of “Columbo” himself, the late Peter Falk: You’ll need 6 pork chops, 1 finely chopped onion, a quarter cup of olive oil, and a quarter cup white vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. One tspn thyme, 1 cup water, ½ cup of liquid from jarred vinegar peppers, 1 cup (or more) jarred vinegar peppers, 2 tblspn cornstarch. Add 1 trench coat — optional!

Pre-heat oven to 350. Brown chops in olive oil and transfer to casserole. Cook onion in same oil and transfer to same casserole. Deglaze pan by adding white vinegar to stir up brown bits and add to casserole with all remaining ingredients except vinegar peppers. Bake for 90 minutes. Add vinegar peppers and cook for another 15 minutes. Remove chops and peppers to a warm serving plate. Add 2 tblspn corn starch to pan drippings for gravy. Pour over chops and peppers and serve.

Another case solved. Devour the evidence!

From l, ‘Clarice’ (Molly Alvarez), ‘Donner’ (Matt Walker), ‘Rudolph’ (Steven Booth), ‘Blitzen’ (Beth Kennedy), ‘Santa Claus’ (Rick Batalla), and ‘Mrs. Claus’ (Lisa Valenzuela) in Troubadour Theater Company’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReinDOORS at the Falcon Theatre.

The Troubadour Theater Company trips down memory lane with their groovy holiday show, Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReinDOORS. Combining the classic television story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with songs by the Doors, the Troubies bring sexy to Santa in their usual entertaining and hilarious ways.

Reindeer Donner (Matt Walker) and Blitzen (Beth Kennedy) give birth to red-nosed son Rudolph (Steven Booth), ostracized by his friends for being different. He joins up with delicious doe Clarice (Molly Alvarez) and odd elf out Hermey (Kyle Nudo). Can Rudolph help Santa (Rick Batalla) save Christmas?

Director Walker creates organized mayhem out of chaos, blending Jim Morrison and the Doors, song and dance numbers, and audience interaction by his wacky troupe into a hilarious holiday spoof. He brings energy and structure to the piece, drawing fun performances from his cast.

Booth rocks the house as the sweet, shy Rudolph, with Batalla strutting his stuff as Santa. Paul C. Vogt plays a droll Burl Ives-like Sam the Snowman. Lisa Valenzuela and Walker give expressive singing performances.

Production work is first-rate. Alvarez’s skillful choreography adds sensuality and sass, ably supported by the nice live band. Sharon McGunigle has designed appropriate costumes, from vixenish reindeer to wacky misfit toys. Jeremy Pivnick’s fine lighting and Jeffrey McLaughlin’s streamlined ‘60s-style sets provide nice atmosphere. The sound mix was occasionally a problem, with the band threatening to overwhelm soloists.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReinDOORS is another tongue-in-cheek, trippy, holiday salute by the rambunctious Troubadour Theater Company.

The Troubadour Theater Company presents Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReinDOORS Wednesday through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. through Jan. 13, with added shows at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16, Dec. 30, and Jan. 6, at the Falcon Theatre located at 4252 Riverside Dr. in Burbank. Tickets cost $34.50-$37 Wednesdays/ Thursdays, and $39.50-$42 Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays. Student rates with ID at $27. Purchase tickets at FalconTheatre.com or call (818) 955-8101.