photographs by Barry Wisdom /

Stephanie Altholz stars as Meena in the B Street Theatre's West Coast premiere of "Rx." (Image by: Barry Wisdom)

There seems to be "an app" for everything. If only the pharmaceutical industry was as quick on the draw to deliver niche narcotics as Apple and its partners have been in creating software that satiates every possible desire.

Perhaps it's not the drug companies' fault. Maybe it's that pesky Food and Drug Administration and its obsessive compulsion to ensure the safety of the U.S. population that forces most of us to get through the work day unmedicated and unhappy. Sure, there are illegal alternatives to doctor-prescribed "happy pills," but wouldn't it be so much better not to risk losing one's job and having employer-paid healthcare foot the bill for the mood-elevating meds?

Jason Kuykendall and Stephanie Altholz are featured in "Rx," playing April 29-June 10, 2012. (Image by: Barry Wisdom)

That's the satirical set-up for Kate Fodor's new romantic comedy "Rx," which is getting its West Coast premiere courtesy of Sacramento's B Street Theatre (April 29-June 10, 2012).

Among those impatient for that legal, side-effect free, made-especially-for-a-workplace-of-woe wonder drug, is Meena Pierotti (Stephanie Altholz). The managing editor for a less-than-inspiring publication (American Cattle and Swine magazine), Meena – a published poet – is understandably unfulfilled and prone to regular excursions to a nearby department store where she indulges in covert crying jags.

Thinking there might be a pill for that, she meets with Dr. Phil Gray (Peter Story) and volunteers for a clinical trial he's researching. As Meena and Phil's relationship evolves from doctor-patient to something a bit more intimate, Meena's prescriptions start to take hold, and she finds work and her boss (Jason Kuykendall) more tolerable. At the same time, Phil's job and fellow employees (Melinda Parrett and Kurt Johnson) begin grating.

Whether one hates their dead-end, uninspired job, or is merely lovesick, B Street Theatre marketing and sales manager Carrie Rosing says "Rx" is the perfect prescription.

Peter Story, Melinda Parrett and Kurt Johnson are featured in the B Street Theatre production of Kate Fodor's "Rx." (Image by: Barry Wisdom)

JUST THE FACTS

What: The West Coast premiere of Kate Fodor's new romantic comedy "Rx"

Where: The B Street Theatre (main stage), 2711 B St., Sacramento, Calif.

When: Previews 5 p.m. April 28 and 2 p.m. April 29; opens 7 p.m. April 29; plays through June 10 with performances at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; 2 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 and 9 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Who: Directed by Buck Busfield; featuring Stephanie Altholz (Meena), Peter Story (Phil), Kurt Johnson (Richard/Ed), Melinda Parrett (Allison), Jason Kuykendall (Simon), Tamara Walters (Frances)

How much: $23-$35 ($5 student rush; $15 previews)

More info: (916) 443-5300; www.bstreettheatre.org

Meena (Stephanie Altholz) and Frances (Tamara Walters) forge a friendship after a chance meeting in a department store in "Rx." (Image by: Barry Wisdom)

Meena (Stephanie Altholz) gets poked and prodded during her regular check-ups with Dr. Phil Gray (Peter Story) in "Rx." (Image by: Barry Wisdom)

Kurt Johnson stars in the B Street Theatre production of "Rx," playing April 29-June 10, 2012. (Image by: Barry Wisdom)

Melinda Parrett and Peter Story are featured in "Rx," playing April 29-June 10 at the B Street Theatre. (Image by: Barry Wisdom)