BWW Interviews: Patti Rabaza Talks World Premiere of HUSBAND FIXIN 101

Starting tomorrow night, Theater LaB Houston is presenting the World Premiere production of HUSBAND FIXIN 101. Julia Kay Laskowski and Patti Rabaza have collaborated on the musical comedy, gifting audiences with a new Country Gravy and Other Obsessions adventure. This time, Mavis and Myrtle are back to "tackle life's big issues, like picking up towels off the bathroom floor, back seat driving, that weird noise he makes when he eats, and much more." In anticipation of opening night, I spoke with Patti Rabaza about the upcoming World Premiere.

BWW: Where do the characters of Mavis and Myrtle come from?

Patti Rabaza: They each came from different shows, and we loved each of them so much we just knew they had to be in a new show together as best friends.

BWW: What was the inspiration to do a new Country Gravy and Other Obsessions (CGOO) show?

Patti Rabaza: When we were writing our Christmas show, HOME FOR THE DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY HOLIDAYS, we had too much material and liked it so much we decided it had to go in a new show. And, when we said the title to any woman they would totally crack up. We took it as a sign.

BWW: CGOO has a strong fan following, but for those who have never seen a CGOO show, what can they expect from HUSBAND FIXIN 101?

Patti Rabaza: Well, we have totally cracked ourselves up writing and rehearsing this show. We think it is absolutely our best one so far! And the other thing to expect is for all of your marital issues to be immediately solved. [Laughs]

BWW: So, what exactly is HUSBAND FIXIN 101 all about?

Patti Rabaza: Our different techniques to whip your husband into shape, including our songs "Nip it in the Bud," "Mental Leash," "Don't Hug the Stinky" and "C.O.N.T.R.O.L."

BWW: Without giving any of the hilarity away, are there are any surprises up your sleeves with this show?

Patti Rabaza: Well, for the first time, both of our husbands have cameo appearances in this one! Candy LaRue is back, and there are two other brand new characters. Also, our pianist, Daryl Banner, has a wonderful monologue and song. Lastly, Mavis and Myrtle break up in the show. Will they reconcile or not? The only way to find out is if you come see the show.

BWW: After this run at Theater LaB Houston, what's next for Mavis and Myrtle?

Patti Rabaza: We will be taking them on a Summer Tour. Check out our website, http://www.countrygravyobessions.com on April 15th, 2014 for all the details.

The World Premiere of HUSBAND FIXIN 101, presented by Theater LaB Houston, plays at Obsidian Art Space, 3522 White Oak Drive, Houston, 77007 from Wednesday, April 2, 2014 to Sunday, April 6, 2014. Performances are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 5:00 p.m., and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. For tickets and more information please visit http://www.theaterlabhouston.com or call (713) 868-7516.

If you would like to book Country Grave and Other Obsessions, please contact Scott DelaCruz with All The Way Around, LLC at atwaproductionsllc@gmail.com or by calling (212) 302-4848 ext. 438.

Photo courtesy of Patti Rabaza.

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