Salty denizens …

Sue and Phil Ruttenburg (pictured) portray Gertrude Blum and Harry Bales in Edward J. Moore’s somewhat ribald, sometimes funny and surprisingly tender love story The Sea Horse, opening next at The Chico Cabaret, 2201 Pillsbury Rd. in the Almond Orchard Shopping Center. Gertrude is the toughest seaside bar-owner this side of the briny, until crewman Harry puts into port at her dank dive. What follows is a strange but compelling courtship as occasionally brutal as it is delicate. Note: This show is recommended for mature audiences only. Opens Thursday, Aug. 8, with a champagne reception; continues on Friday and Saturday nights through Aug. 24, at 7:30 p.m. For dinner reservations, tickets, and more information call The Chico Cabaret at (530) 895-0245.