I get a lick out of you …

Take a wild ride from 1880s South Africa to 1979 London when the Blue Room Theatre in downtown Chico unveils its 2002 season opener, Caryl Churchill‘s audacious gender-bending examination of sexual stereotypes and society’s rigid expectations, Cloud 9. Churchill turns every theatrical trick in the book, blending farce and tragedy effortlessly over the course of the play. Pictured are actors Isaiah Bent and Matt Hammons, Bent’s character clearly breaking convention to get in a few good licks! Cloud 9 opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, and continues Thursday-Saturday nights through Feb. 2. Special performance: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27. Tickets are $10 general and $8 students and seniors. Thursday nights: All seats only $5. The Blue Room Theatre, 139 West First St. (above Collier Hardware). Info: 895-3749; www.blueroomtheatre.com.