HOLLYWOOD—“Octomom the Musical” has been getting rave reviews from critics all over Hollywood. Writer, producer and actor Chris Voltaire and actress Molly McCook have teamed up to offer one of the most amazing and outlandish performances in theatre history.

The over-the-top musical makes fun of many of the latest Hollywood and national celebrities. For better or worse this engaging and witty duo on stage have been making fun of the real Octomom, tabloid journalist Harvey Levin and just about everyone we are seeing on “Entertainment Tonight” or “Issues with Jane Velez Mitchell” on a daily basis. Art is probably the best way for humans to break the real tension in our lives.

Chris Voltaire Courtesy:Tany Soussana

This week Chris Voltaire and Molly McCook sat down with Canyon News to spill the beans on themselves and “Octomom the Musical.” Our first interview was Mr. Chris Voltaire.

Q-What made you come up with such a great theme/story for this production?

A-“The headlines, the non-stop news stories! You couldn't make up this stuff! The moment Octomom hit the news I thought, 'This is so completely ridiculous I have to make fun of it and it needs to be a musical!' Octomom and Bernie Madoff are these classic public figures. I parody them and have created these zany characters that are fueled with never having enough, driven by compulsive, feverish needs that are in many respects, aspects of the disconnect of the general American psyche, within all of us. Our nation is built upon a system that must continually grow and expand. At a certain point aspects of that system reach critical mass and Octomom is a perfect example of that, so is Bernie Madoff, the economy and the Real Estate bubble. From another perspective, writers are always talking about themselves, perhaps I'm just examining my own demons through these public figures.”

Q-Did you know anyone personally that has been effected by the latest headline makers?

A-“We've all have been touched upon what has happened, obviously some were slammed harder financially. Most of the issues in the show, the aspects and themes are mirrors for what we're all going through.”

Q-How much fun is it to also be involved with the acting side of this great musical as well?

Molly McCook as Octomom Courtesy: Tany Soussana

A-“To be able to sing to composer Rachael Lawrence's insanely talented music and dance to the sharp musical staging of Dean McFlicker and perform in front of sell out crowds is a super blast. Especially when you've rolled the dice like I did, presenting the show through my company [Cabaret Voltaire] with my talented wife Beverly Leech plus writing and directing as well. People who have seen the show tell me again and again how great this cast of young talent is and I have to credit our casting director Stuart Rosen. He brought together a handful of stars of tomorrow: Blake Hogue, Lynnette Li, Dinora Walcott, Alexandra Hotlzman, John Combs, Molly McCook and Stu Barron. This cast clicks! My teenage years were spent at a magical place called Stagedoor Manor, where I performed countless musicals and cabarets at great, historic venues like Kutchers and Browns and The Raleigh. Everything I'm doing in this show I learned in the Catskills. I also credit geniuses like The Marx Brothers and Mel Brooks, who influence my comedy in numerous ways.”

Q-Have you met Harvey Levin?

A-“I have not met any of the public figures we parody in ‘Octomom! the Musical,’ although I do speak with them telepathically. And there's no way anyone reading this can refute that, because I keep our conversations very, very private. In no way do I telepath and tell.”

Q-What do you enjoy most about "Octomom the Musical?" Acting, writing or producing?

A-“Well this go-around I must admit I have enjoyed taking on the role of actor-writer-director-producer. I aspire to walk in the footsteps of great comedic minds like Carl Reiner and Lorne Michaels, so this is the road I need to go. Now I only need a network to back me and we're off and running. The Voltaire franchise begins!”

On to the actress who has made “Octomom the Musical” such a hit. Molly McCook who is the daughter of legendary stage and soap actor John McCook speaks candidly to Canyon News in this exclusive interview.

Q-You are getting rave reviews for “Octomom.” Did you know it would be such a hit?

A-“I knew to a certain extent, yes. This has been such a popular topic for so long-good and bad. She's gotten a ridiculous amount of attention, a musical should've been expected by everyone.”

Q-Your father [John McCook] is a respected actor, especially on the stage. Did he give you any pointers for stage roles?

A-“Of course, he always does. I can't think of someone better to take advice from than my dad. I'm such a Daddy's Girl and I take a lot of pride in that. A lot of people aren't aware of his theatre experience and I'm constantly begging him to go back to it because he was brilliant. He's such an inspiration to me, both of my parents are.”

Q-Do you want to do more stage work or are you looking for TV and movies?

A-“I don't think I could really choose. I could've gone to New York right out of high school but I chose to stay here because that was what I wanted and then Octomom happened. Everything happens for a reason, you know? I have the passion to perform. Theatre will always be a huge part of my heart, but I hope for a great TV and film career as well.”

This play is hilarious, witty, engaging and both Voltaire and McCook are insanely talented in their parts.

To catch the final performance of “Octomom the Musical” on Saturday, September 12 at the Fake Theatre 4319 Melrose Ave. Go to: octomomthemusical.com