Not everyone can pull off a successful farce filled with comical hijinks and witty dialogue that propels the story forward, but Charles Busch, king of Off-Broadway comedy, can be counted on to bring the funny.  The actor-playwright's newest production, "The Tribute Artist" brings to the stage the story of a female impersonator who attempts to sell the townhouse of his recently deceased landlady.

Director Carl Andress may have gotten the script hot off the press, but casting director Stephanie Klapper is the one responsible for bringing a stellar cast of actors together. We asked her about the play, her collaboration with Busch, and what special skills actors need to perform in a farce.

StageBuddy: What is "The Tribute Artist" about?

Stephanie Klapper: It's about Manhattan real estate and what things people will do to get an apartment.

SB: What does an actor need in his/her toolbox in order to perform in a farce?

SK: They have to be really smart and quick thinking and have the facility of language and physical life -- all of these things are very helpful. And a great sense of comedy.

SB: Did Charles Busch have any favorites for casting?

SK: Well, we started with the Charles Busch repertory-company. We were very fortunate that Julie Halston was available to do this with him.  So Julie came on board and Jonathan Walker has done plays with Charles Busch before as well.  We wanted to have certain people who were familiar with Charles' material because it was part of the family.

SB: What was the callback experience like?

SK: In a number of cases, many of the actors read with Charles to see what that felt like. That was very important because Charles is so integral to the show.

SB: What can audiences expect from "The Tribute Artist"?

SK: Aside from a lot of great laughs, they'll get the opportunity to see wonderful performances and be reminded why Busch is so great and such an amazing playwright. The chemistry shared between the cast is something that is just magical.

(This article has been edited and condensed.)