Meshing Patty Duke and Patty Hearst, creator-director Patrick Kennelly’s musical explores our fixation on the cult of personality and our obsession with molding young celebrity girls into pop tartlets. Patty (played by four performers, representing her id, ego, superego and “shadow”) is portrayed as a sacrificial lamb in today’s entertainment-saturated culture. “Who will be the bright star of the future?” an announcer in the must-see “pop musical event” sing-songs. “I like posting pictures of myself on the Internet!” a vapid contestant answers in Auto-Tune. Down to the 5-plus-inch heels the talented, 15-member, all-female (!) cast struts around on for almost two hours, Kennelly nails the idea of how expectations help to cripple women in the public eye. In the show’s frankest moment, the entire cast turns on the Pattys, chanting, “Kill yourself.” Jonathan Snipes and Kristin Erickson’s original music drips with satire and is as catchy as anything on the radio. Pilar Macchione’s sculptural fashion design is commentary, too; the dresses are just so flattering. This will be one of the most exhilarating eviscerations in L.A. this year. Don’t miss it.
May 18-20, 8:30 p.m.; May 23-26, 8:30 p.m., 2012

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