From the producers of the LA Weekly Theater Award-winner Mommie Queerest, Joe Everett Michaels and Tom Whitman present, The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode.  Written by Jamie Morris and under the direction of Christopher Kinney, this parody play deals with many topics that welcomes adults only to this performance. 

Inspired the the ‘80s sitcom, Facts features an all-male cast as the girls of Eastland High.  The girls’ dorm, and Mrs. Garrett’s job is in jeopardy due to the budget cuts.  The evil schoolmaster wants to take everything away from them and get into Mrs. G’s pants.  Blair, Tootie, Natalie and Jo will not allow this to happen, and they are willing to do anything, and I mean anything, to forbid this.  The girls turn to prostitution to raise all of the money that they will need to keep their cozy dorm and Mrs. G.

Definitely a must-see if you are into raunchy and up for a performance that will leave your stomach aching from laughter.  One of the highlights was a scene between Blair and Jo, which makes the audience wonder what is coming up next.  Yet another with Nat and K-Y jelly, left the audience feeling, perhaps a bit nauseous.  The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode will keep you amused throughout with the inappropriate humor and politically-incorrect jokes. 

Natalie (Brooks Braselman) and Blair (Kelly Mantle) Tom Whitman

The musical numbers were performed well, clever and creatively written.  In between scenes, well known tunes filled the air, which was a great transition to keep the audience consumed in the story.  It would have been a little more enjoyable if some of the numbers were sang a bit slower, so the audience could understand all of the words in the song, which told parts of the story.

Jo (Joey Pate), Tootie (Darren Gibson), Natalie (Brooks Braselman) Tom Whitman

The design of the theater set is wonderful!  It is easy, as the audience, to adjust to each scene and be aware of the set that exists. Costuming and make-up was equally done well, transforming the male cast into believable female characters.  The theater itself is comfortable and welcoming, offering drinks and snacks for purchase prior to, and during intermission of the show.  

Facts is cast well, with a lot of talent under one roof.  All of the actors have a stage presence that brings the show together and keeps the audience wanting more.

Natalie (Brooks Braselman), Blair (Kelly Mantle), Mrs. Garrett (Jamie Morris), Tootie (Darren Gibson), Jo (Joey Pate) Tom Whitman

Mrs. G is played by Jamie Morris, who is also the playwright.  Jamie was nominated for four LA Weekly Theater Awards from his play, Mommie Queerest.  He has many other plays and has also done a bit of sketch comedy.

Natalie Green is played by Brooks Braselman, who has been in various plays and also has done some voiceover work for Cartoon Networks’ “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” and “Squidbillies”.  He also was nominated for an LA Weekly Award for his performance in Mommie Queerest. 

Natalie (Brooks Braselman), Blair (Kelly Mantle), Jo (Joey Pate), Tootie (Darren Gibson) Tom Whitman

Tootie is played by Darren Gibson.  Darren has been training in ballet since age 10, and has been involved in the choreography as well as many performances on and off Broadway. 

Jo is played by Joey Pate.  Joey has appeared in many stage, television and film roles, as well as voiceover for “Scrubs” and “Cavemen”. 

Blair is played by Kelly Mantle.  Kelly has not only performed on stage, but has also had many spots on popular television shows.  These include, “CSI”, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”, “Judging Amy”, a recurring role on “NYPD Blue”, and many more.    Kelly is also an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician. 

Blair understudy is Gavyn Michaels, who has appeared in many commercials, plays, television shows and films.  Gavyn is also a successful model.

Natalie (Brooks Braselman) Blair ( Kelly Mantle), and Mrs Garrett (Jamie Morris) Tom Whitman

The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode opened November 8th and will run for 6 weeks, closing on December 14, 2008.  The location is at the Macha Theater, at 1107 No. Kings Road, West Hollywood, CA, 90069.  Performances are at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 7 p.m. on Sundays.  Tickets are $30.  For tickets, go to www.plays411.com/facts or call 323-960-4424.   

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