Look! Up on the stage! Is it a Russ Meyer film? The life story of Kitten Natividad? No, it's the Valley of the Dolls regional premiere as a stage adaptation. It's easy to be confused but this presentation by the Uptown Players is based on the 1960s Jacqueline Susann novel that chronicles the rise and fall of three young ladies in show biz. It's initial popularity inspired a few knock-offs (thus our confusion) but the story goes like this: Girl graduates college all bright and bushy-tailed and heads for Broadway and Hollywood in search of the good life. Along the way she shares experiences with two other hopefuls: the sexpot who longs for respect and the scheming, manipulating actress willing to use devious means to get to the top. Hilarity and femininity ensue. Or something. Find out when the play runs Friday through September 9 with shows at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays (no performance August 19). There is also an additional performance at 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 5. Shows take place at the KD Studio Theatre (formerly the Trinity River Arts Center), 2600 Stemmons Fwy, Suite 180. Tickets are $22 to $25. Call 214-219-2718 or visit uptownplayers.org.
Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: Aug. 17. Continues through Sept. 9