The Little Dog Laughed

The B Street Theatre offers up this edgy, satirical peek into the shadowy side of show business and into the lonely closet of a gay actor who is scared to risk his rising hetero-heartthrob reputation. With a bit of nudity, swearing and sex, it’s quirky and caustic, sassy and sardonic, witty and wickedly funny—and at times unexpectedly poignant. The role of showbiz manager Diane is a gift, and actress Kathryn Morison gives back with a funny, acidic performance as she deals with Alex’s “slight recurring case of homosexuality.” But the play wouldn’t work if we didn’t believe in the slowly evolving relationship between Mitchell and Alex, and this is where the talented performances of Kurt Johnson and Patrick Alparone seal the deal.
B Street Theatre, 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 p.m. Thursdays (September 18 and 25 only), 8 p.m. Saturdays; B2 Stage, 2711 B Street, $25-$30. (916) 443-5300; www.bstreettheatre.org. Through September 27.