March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

‘Mike & Molly’ Creator Takes To The Stage At Pico Playhouse:

Santa Monica resident Mark Roberts, renowned playwright and the creator of the CBS television series “Mike & Molly,” is this month taking to the stage as one of the leads in his one-act comedy “Couples Counseling Killed Katie,” which opens today at the Pico Playhouse and runs Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 1.

His comic spin on seven couples going through therapy turned the production into a cult phenomenon and showcased his talent to television executive Chuck Lorre who immediately hired him as a writer on “Two and a Half Men.”

After rising through the ranks to executive producer, Roberts created “Mike & Molly,” because he felt there needed to be a series that showcased real people going through real issues.

Last summer, Roberts returned to the stage with a revival of “Couples Counseling Killed Katie,” which he starred in alongside “True Blood” actress Jessica Tuck.

The production was such a success that it was nominated for two Ovation Awards and he decided to do a second run this November.

“It’s an hour of big laughs and simple fun,” Roberts said. “Jessica Tuck and I play seven different couples trying to work out their differences in couples therapy and it’s a lot of crazy quick costume changes, insanity, and exaggeration.”

He said all of his writing comes from real life experiences.

“I had just broken up with a girlfriend when I wrote ‘Couples Counseling Killed Katie’ and had some obvious issues to work out,” he said. “Most of the characters, although greatly exaggerated, are based on real people. My plays are usually about emotional things I’m dealing with or need to deal with. A way of spilling out my psyche onto paper in a dramatic and hopefully entertaining way. So I wrote this one pretty quickly.”

He said the play is something people can relate to.

“Everyone understands dysfunction on some level or another,” he said. “And it’s darn funny if I do say so myself.”

When asked what the main differences are between writing TV and theater, Roberts said he could say things on the stage that you can’t say on television.

“Life is often a little grittier than we see on television and on the stage, you can take out those stops and let the emotions go where they will,” he said. “Theater has been a part of my sanctuary for as long as I can remember. It is a part of my history and what got me excited about arts in the first place and I think it’s important to explore deeper themes, as a person and in my work. But TV actually pays and has better food and better parking.”

He has several projects in the pipeline in both theater and television.

A play he wrote called “Rantoul and Die” will premiere in New York for the first time next summer and he’ll be directing for the first time.

Roberts said he moved to Santa Monica six months ago to the Ocean Park neighborhood near Main Street.

He said he enjoyed vegan food and the vibe of the city.

“I’m never not working,” he said. “But, I do try to make time to take long walks on the beach.”

“Couples Counseling Killed Kate” is on stage every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. now through Dec. 1. All tickets are $20. Pico Playhouse is located at 10508 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles 90064.

For tickets or more information, call 800.838.3006 or visit cckk.brownpapertickets.com.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...