Belber's New Play THE MUSCLE IN OUR TOES Comes to North Hollywood Starting May 23

LA and Theatre? The 2 words seem like a non sequitur however after my conversation with playwright Stephen Belber and Producer Kristen Lee Kelly I've learned I may be mistaken.

Green Beetle Productions, a new LA based theatrical Production Company, is presenting the world premiere of Stephen Belber's new play The Muscles In Our Toes at the historic El Portal theatre in North Hollywood.

"NYC will always be the hub of theatre but LA is fast becoming and has been a fertile ground for new work and new artists, "explains Kristen Lee. "Yes, it is movieland but those who are committed to making theatre are really committed to it. LA is full of amazing, theatre trained actors as well as playwrights and director who are salivating to work in something new - especially after having 3 lines on CSI or directing Dorito commercials. And from a producers viewpoint renting and/or buying theatre spaces is much less expensive when compared to NYC."

"I agree", Adds Stephen, "Whenever I am in LA my friends are always taking me to see to see shows. LA is full of dedicated theatre goers. Naked Angels produced my show Tape out there and just last year the Black Dahlia theatre produced my show FINALLY and I thought they did a great job with it. It was a great experience all around. There is an optimism in LA theatre."

Kristen Lee believes Green Beetle is entering the LA theatre scene at a great time. "With the recession theatre has taken a bit of a punch to the gut. Theatre goers are wanting to see new stuff and we are lucky to be offering them a new, funny, smart and timely play by a very talented, established playwright. Plus we are keeping the ticket prices low - $25. It is a deal!

In many ways Belber's explanation as to the meaning of the play's title mirrors Belber's and Kelly's drive to dive into the LA theatre scene head first.

"The Muscles In Our Toes is about devotion, integrity and loyalty to who you once were while at the same time reaching for something new. How far do you have to reach within to propel yourself forward. As the character Dante says in the play: "Our sense of loyalty will hurtle us forward with every particle in our body from the tip of our brains to the muscles in our toes."

Green Beetle Productions are thrilled to present a World Premiere Play by acclaimed playwright Stephen Belber, THE MUSCLES IN OUR TOES. THE MUSCLES IN OUR TOES will be directed by Jennifer Chambers. THE MUSCLES IN OUR TOES will preview on Saturday, May 23 at 8pm; Sunday, May 24 at 3pm; Thursday, May 28 at 8pm; Friday, May 29 at 8pm and will open on Saturday, May 30 at 8pm and run through Sunday, June 29 at the El Portal Forum Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood.

THE MUSCLES IN OUR TOES is a comedy bringing five high school friends together for their 20th reunion. Escaping the hell that can be any High School reunion, Les, Reg, Phil and Dante retreat to the chorus room. It is there the estranged buddies are faced with the reality their friend Jim, the Class King of 1988, has gone missing - kidnapped by a radical group. Dante, the bully of this entourage, comes up with a seemingly implausible plan to save Jim. Through lighthearted insult, lots of Gin & Tonics, old memories and deep friendship the guys decide to drunkenly step up and enact the plan and in the process act on their conviction to finally do something with their suburban, 9 to 5 lives. This search for Jim leads to a very unexpected outcome
For Tickets, please call 1-866-811-4111 or visit www.ovationtix.com.

www.musclesinourtoes.com