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.

The Dazzle An absorbing look at people who intrigue us when we read about them—hermits secluded in trash-packed houses, bodies found amid canyons of junk. The play’s concept is based on a true account—Langley and Homer Collyer were raised in their stately Harlem mansion by society parents in the late 1800s, but were found dead inside the debris-dense mansion years later. The play’s first half is the most successful, with scenes that are all at once painful, poetic and pathetic. The second half, while still captivating, slips a bit when it loses the strange beauty of madness, while leaving a more cluttered, out-of-focus vision. But ultimately what we get is a memorable and haunting play that speaks to the heart, about the heart, and the mysteries of the mind.
B Street Theatre , 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $16.50 and $20.50. 2711 B St., 443-5300. Through September 8. P.R.

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.

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. Extended through August 18. 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.