Stamped with desire

Stamp collecting is a dangerous hobby; philatelists inhabit a world dotted with menacing figures and dubious truths. More precisely, it’s stamp dealing that calls forth passion and peril from a collection of offbeat characters in Theresa Rebeck’s compelling dark comedy Mauritius, now playing at Capital Stage. Two feuding sisters, two wheeler-dealers and one stamp store owner all salivate over a very rare stamp. Each craves the rarity for different reasons, which causes the eclectic characters to scamper and squabble over the stamp amid mysteries and threats. Under the impressive tutelage of director Michael Stevenson, this cast is the best local ensemble in recent memory. Most are new to Capital Stage and all work as a talented, cohesive cast: Kurt Johnson, John P. Lamb, Kristine David, Lauren Bloom and Jonathan Rhys Williams. Special kudos to the creative set design by Stephen C. Jones.

Mauritius, 7 p.m. Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; $22-$30. Capital Stage on the Delta King, 1001 Front Street in Old Sacramento; (916) 995-5464; www.capstage.org. Through November 7.