Stars line up for roles in new LaBute play

NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. stars Andrew McCarthy, Keri Russell and Jeremy Piven are set to appear this winter in the world premiere of Neil LaBute's new play, "Fat Pig."

Directed by Jo Bonney, the MCC Theater production is to begin preview performances at the Lucille Lortel Theatre Off-Broadway on Nov. 23, with an opening night planned for Jan. 15.

LaBute's new comedy is about Tom (Piven,) a man who falls in love with Helen (Ashlie Atkinson,) a bright, sexy woman who happens to be "generously proportioned." Sadly, Tom's happiness is thwarted as he finds himself and his new girlfriend are the target of his friends' cruel words, ultimately forcing Tom to redefine his concept of beauty.