ACTRESS AND DIRECTOR SEVERELY BEATEN...BY ACTOR

Ay Pitumbo! I recall whence I played the lead in 'Sweeny Todd'... I wanted to slash some throats! ...and I DID! See? I'm recalling humorous anecdotes!

Spotted on ABC News:
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. Oct 25, 2004 — An actor playing a stressed-out soldier in a local stage production was arrested after he punched his leading lady in the face and then beat up the director backstage just before a scheduled performance, police said Monday.

Witnesses told police that Brian Raber, 27, appeared to be playing his character when he began to hit the 17-year-old actress, who was hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

Raber was ordered held on $100,000 bail at his arraignment on two counts of assault in the Sunday attacks at the theater on Long Island. He has pleaded not guilty.

Witnesses told police that Raber, who had starred for several weeks in "Home Front," about a soldier coming home from war, punched Bianca Massi for no apparent reason at the Historical Society Playhouse.

Police said the director, Toni Munna, 51, was beaten when she stepped in to help Massi, who suffered a fractured cheek and eye socket. Munna was treated for facial bruises.

Police said they did not know why the attack took place.

"The victims never saw it coming," said Detective Herman Lamison.

Raber's attorney, Thomas Spreer, said: "We are trying to get to the bottom of this."

He said Raber, whose brother committed suicide seven years ago, has been placed on a suicide watch in jail.