L.A. 'Hell House' spoofs Denver original

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- A Hollywood theater group has spoofed "Hell House," a show depicting hell, by adding a comic twist to the original production developed by a Denver minister.

The Center for Inquiry-West's "Hell House" opens Aug. 28 and plans to run Saturdays through Halloween at the Steve Allen Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, the Rocky Mountain News reported Tuesday.

Bill Maher has signed on to play Satan, Andy Richter will play Jesus, and Julia Sweeney and Richard Belzer and other comedians are in the cast.

"It will be a parody of itself. It will be very funny. We're having a hoot," said producer Maggie Rowe, who purchased the "Hell House" kit for $200 from the original producer, the Rev. Keenan Roberts.

Though Roberts, who typically sells the production kits to youth groups and other religious organizations, said feels betrayed by Rowe, he added even Hollywood's version will be an outreach.

"People have been trying to damage this message since they crucified the founder of the movement. It's exciting. 'Hell House' is going to another stage of exposure," Roberts said.