The Price of Fame

How far would you go for fame and fortune? That's the question at the heart of the new play from Neil Labute, which receives its world premiere this September at the Lucille Lortel Theater. Plugging into today's celebrity obsessed, fame hungry culture, it looks set to explore themes of greed and self-obsession with Labute's unmistakable caustic wit. It once again pairs the playwright with director Terry Kinney, co-founder of Chicago's legendary Steppenwolf Theatre, who helmed LaBute's own Reasons to be Pretty for MCC Theater in 2009.

Boundary-Pushing

Long characterised as the enfant terrible of American contemporary theatre, Neil Labute has never shied away from taboo-baiting subjects or coating his plays in jet-black misanthropy. His first major work, In the Company of Men, was a sensation upon its premiere, while the subsequent movie adaptation, also directed by LaBute, was just as malicious and disturbing. LaBute has subsequently established himself as a filmmaker of high regard, and has continued to produce the most darkly comic and thought-provoking theater in the country.

What is The Money Shot About?

Karen and Steve need to make a comeback. They were once big names in Hollywood, but their stardom has faded after years of flops. However, the new film from an avant garde European director could offer them a way back to the top, just as long as they're willing to go beyond the normal bounds of mainstream filmmaking. The night before the filming of an important, and sure to be much talked about scene, Karen and Steve and their respective partners gather in a hotel room, to decide whether tomorrow's shoot is worth it for one more shot at the big time.