Looks Can Be Deceiving

Once upon a time, some really ugly person somewhere said, “It’s not what’s outside, but what’s inside that counts.” Seriously? Look, we wouldn’t lie to you, faithful reader. Take a peek around the pages of New Times — you’ll see ads for botox treatment, breast augmentation surgery, lipo dissolve, hormone replacement therapy, laser hair removal, and natural skin therapies. Why would we announce the services of these fine companies in our newspaper if we didn’t want you to be more beautiful? No one cares how you look inside, except the doctors who are going to be modifying your guts so you look better to us. Then, once you’re hella beautiful, you can come to our offices and thank us — deeply — in person.

But there are people who would dissuade you from your noble goal of perfection. We call those people “artists,” and they always have some pesky agenda they want to push. Take the new play Makeover, at the Hollywood Playhouse (2640 Washington St., Hollywood) through June 1. It’s the story of Valerie, a girl who’s sold her troubled soul to the Devil for the purpose of achieving unattainable beauty. Valerie gets all bent when she realizes she has given up her intangible treasures in the pursuit of a pert body; apparently so you, the viewer, can learn a life lesson about real beauty and surfaces and happiness or something. Who knows why you’d buy that hooey, but if you do, you can check out the play tonight 8 p.m. Tickets will run you $35, but remember — hair removal starts at just $190. You decide. Call 954-922-0404, or visit www.hollywoodplayhouse.com.
Thursdays-Sundays. Starts: May 9. Continues through June 1, 2008