In the world of Hollywood, truth and honesty are as fleeting as fame. At least that's what we learn from Barksdale Theatre's current production of "The Little Dog Laughed."

The play's satirical look at Hollywood showcases the shallowness that pervades the industry. The plot centers around Mitchell, an award-winning actor who has difficulty sorting out his sexual preferences, and his agent Diane, a spitfire who dishes out profanities and stinging observations as perfectly as Martha Stewart throws together a pie.

Their road to fame and fortune gets complicated when Alex, a closeted rent boy, and Ellen, Alex's friend and sometimes lover, enter the picture, ending in a triangle posing problems for all involved.

The linguistic dance that is set into motion by the play's tart dialogue swirls around the stage with lightening speed. It's a dance that commands your attention and challenges any conservative beliefs that you harbor.

The energy that heats up the stage is generated by Susan Sanford (Diane) whose sole mission is to take her client to the top of Hollywood's A-list. Sanford steps into the role of an ambitious, heartless agent with a comic grace that is as believable as it is funny. Her timing is impeccable. Just when you think Diane may have a heart after all, Sanford skillfully squelches the thought with stinging but humorous insensitivity.

John Kenneth Deboer is convincing as the superficial, confused Mitchell. He effectively portrays the character's greed as well as his inability to sustain a relationship, as Matt Hackman (Alex) brings with him the human side of this equation. He is the pawn in this game of stardom and deceit and he's able to pull the audience into his romance and its ensuing disappointment.

Laine Satterfield (Ellen) effectively characterizes the party-girl attitude so common in the entertainment industry.

"The Little Dog Laughed" is skillfully presented. Its on-target take on Hollywood hypocrisy is humorous and entertaining. It's exploration of sexuality reflects the disparate attitudes of today's society in realistic terms. This is not, let me repeat, not a play for the faint of heart. It does contain adult language and content as well as nudity.

"The Little Dog Laughed" plays through May 18 at Barksdale Theatre. Tickets are $34 to $38. To purchase tickets, call the box office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Nonday through Friday at (804) 282-2620.