The Jacksonian

This is a violent, unsettling play that, while compelling and intriguing at times, unfortunately loses its way. Part of the problem lies in the jumpy and uneven storyline and characters, while the other problem is fluctuating tone and genres. It's a Southern Gothic murder mystery—part film noir, part dark comedy, part social commentary, played for laughs, shock and drama, with some violence and racial references thrown in that feel gratuitous. Tu 6:30pm; W 2pm & 6:30pm; Th, F 7; Sa 5pm & 9pm; Su 2pm. $23-$35. B Street Theatre, 2711 B St.; (916) 443-5300; www.bstreettheatre.org. P.R.