EDGE Ft. Lauderdale

Make your appointment now. Combing Through Life’s Tangles" is a multi-media musical beginning a three-week run in Fort Lauderdale at Sixth Star Studios.

The plot unfolds at Tangles Beauty Salon. That’s where the audience meets Cori, a transgender hairstylist who is having a life altering identity crisis. Cori’s gender-bending life is part of the salon’s plentiful gossip mill. Salon employees and clients share their own hair-raising dramas while getting coiffed and buffed.

Mario Betto is the Creator and Writer of the multi-media production which incorporates music, short film segments and dialogue.

EDGE: You’re a hairstylist. What made you get involved in playwriting/songwriting?

MB: Creativity has always been in my blood. In high school, English was my favorite subject and I revelled in the process of creating a story. You could say I was a young artist with a very, very creative imagination. Studying Theater at FIU and UMass Boston afforded me the opportunity to learn about the mechanics of acting, playwriting and theater. In 2001, while living in Boston, I embarked on the journey of writing "Combing Through Life’s Tangles". It made sense for me to write about a career I have absolutely adored being a part of; making people feel good and look fabulous. I have been a stylist for 18 years now. As a stylist I have seen and heard quite a few juicy tidbits of gossip!

EDGE: What made you start Hairstylists for Humanity?

MB: I started Hairstylists for Humanity in 2003 and am the Founding President of the organization. The idea came to me while watching a very impactful movie, "Beyond Borders", starring my absolute favorite actress, Angelina Jolie.

I have never run a non-profit agency before and am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community.

Both through providing free services to men, women and children who cannot afford it and also by reaching out to the community through the arts. It made sense for the play to become a fund-raiser and awareness raiser for Hairstylists for Humanity.

EDGE: What is unique about Combing Through Life’s Tangles?

MB: "Combing Through Life’s Tangles" is unique in that it appeals to a wide adult audience. There are nine characters, all dealing with different issues, yet discover in the end that they are not so different after all.

Everyone who comes to see the production will walk away with some pearl of wisdom while being entertained. I scripted the production to allow the audience to open their minds and understand diversity and tolerance.

EDGE: Why should South Florida check it out?

MB: Our cast is a fantastic group of local talent! The story line is entertaining and there are great songs, comedy, drama and even some short film footage. South Florida should definitely come and check us out. Theater for a good cause!


The production will be in Fort Lauderdale from May 23, 2008 to June 8, 2008. Show times on Friday and Saturday are 8pm, Sundays 2pm and 8pm.

Call 1-866-811-4111 for tickets or go to www.theatermania.com to order tickets. Seating is limited as Sixth Star Studio, the official theater space of The Women’s Theater Project, is an intimate 45 seat theater.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Visit the official production site at www.combingthroughlifestangles.com.

Ticket prices are $25 for students and seniors with identification, $30 for general admission. Net proceeds help Hairstylists for Humanity provide much needed services to social service agencies in the community. Ticket sales are tax-deductible as provided by law.