Stage Reviews

Charley’s Aunt Veteran director Jack Lynn does a good job putting this hardy old chestnut (a genuine Victorian farce) through its paces. Multiple levels of deception, concealed identity and various permutations of matrimonial intent (romantic, financial and otherwise) are matched with preppy college sweaters and several bottles of champagne. Some of the actors are on the young side, but the show generates its share of laughs, particularly in the second half.
Garbeau’s Dinner Theatre , 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sunday, show only, $17; dinner, $29-$34. 12401 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova, 985-6361. Through September 8. J.H.

Greater Tuna This revival of Foothill Theatre Company’s 1998 production, the most popular comedy in the company’s 20-year history, is set in the tiny town of Tuna, Texas, home of businesses like Didi’s Used Weapons and radio station OKKK. Two actors each play nine or more characters (male and female), with many short scenes and a whole lot of costume changes. There’s plenty of over-the-top satire of the Lone Star State, but in many ways the joys and foibles of these Texas folks cut pretty close to the bone. (Not rated because we don’t revisit recent revivals.)
Nevada Theatre , 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, 401 Broad St., Nevada City. $5-$21. (530) 265-8587. Through August 18. J.H.

Henry V Some scenes in this history play look a little posed, and the costumes are an odd assortment, but James Roberts connects as the opportunistic Pistol, Brett Williams looks good in the title role, and Hannah Rahilly dishes up a wild Welsh accent as Fluellen.
Sacramento Shakespeare Festival , 8:30 p.m. on July 20, 25, 26, August 2, 4, $10-$12. In the William Carroll Amphitheatre in Sacramento’s William Land Park, 558-2228. Gates open at 6:30, bring a picnic basket, a low-slung lawn chair and a sweater for late evening breezes. No advance ticket sales. Through August 4. J.H.

Last Train to Nibroc This play is a straight-up romance (not a romantic comedy) set against rural Kentucky in the early 1940s—a time of social change, economic transition and international uncertainty that in some ways resembles our own. Actors Amy Tribbey and Jason Kuykendall are close to perfect as an unlikely pair who have to overcome some personal difficulties and family attitudes; director Buck Busfield develops some magical exchanges from Arlene Hutton’s small-scale, high-quality script. A highlight of the new summer season.
B-2 , 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday, $16.50-$20.50. Next to the B Street Theatre, 2711 B St., 443-5300. Through August 4. J.H.

Much Ado About Nothing A classic battle of the sexes, with humorous results. Director Kim McCann moves Shakespeare’s story to England circa 1826, with visual overtones hinting at Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Good performances by leads Jenni Stephenson (Beatrice) and Jon Jackson (Benedick). A well-crafted effort by this small, local festival.
Sacramento Shakespeare Festival , 8:30 p.m. July 19, 21, 28, August 1, 3, $10-$12. In the William Carroll Amphitheatre in Sacramento’s William Land Park, 558-2228. Gates open at 6:30, bring a picnic basket, a low-slung lawn chair and a sweater for late evening breezes. No advance ticket sales. Through August 3. J.H.

Six Women With Brain Death This very campy revue is Sacramento’s longest-running show, having celebrated its fifth anniversary in October. It’s a series of skits and songs about midlife women with “expiring minds,” dealing with soap operas, high-school reunions, grocery shopping and getting away from the kids. While the show clearly tickles the funnybone of its core audience (females over 40), our critic found the appeal elusive and the humor generic. But then, he’s a middle-aged guy.
Studio Theatre , 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, $16-$19. 1028 R St., 446-2668. Open-ended run. J.H.

Vanities Vanities is a mystery. The play itself isn’t a mystery, but its long New York run and off-Broadway success is. We follow three girls during a 10-year period from 1963-1974, from high school to young adulthood. Now, you can’t get a more exhilarating, turbulent, history-making era, so you’d figure small-town Southern belles would be transformed through these historical events. But these three self-centered, unlikable teens merely grow up to be three self-centered unlikable women. The only way we see change is through music, hairstyles, a dip into disco lust and the shock of shacking up. Even this production can’t save this sad script. In fairness, the sincere cast tries their darndest to breathe life into this play. But all in all, it’s a disappointing outing for the Delta King.
Delta King Theater , 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $14 -$16. Onboard the Delta King, 1000 Front St., Old Sacramento, 995-5464. Through August 4. P.R.