Variations on Betrayal: An Allegory for Five Colorful Clowns

Using the biography of Benedict Arnold as a departure point, local playwright P. Joshua Laskey’s original work examines loyalty, betrayal and group identity in the form of corporate shenanigans. The Clown-in-Black, Mr. Benedict (Benjamin T. Ismail) is a frantic, frenetic tragicomic delight, ably supported by the rest of the cast. It’s political humor, humanely done, with cream pies. F, Sa 8pm, Su 2pm. Through 7/19. $18. Beyond the Proscenium Productions at the Wilkerson Theatre, 1723 25th Street, behind the gray fence between 25th and R streets; (916) 456-1600; www.beyond-pro.org.