Venus in Fur

Playwright David Ives springs plenty of surprises in this masochistic comedy of dark intent in which a weary writer-director is coming off a long, fruitless day of auditions, about to head home. In comes a breathless actress, begging for a chance at the part. She says her name is the same as the character in writer-director's script, and she seems eerily right for the role. And she knows more about the source material (a tale of domination, submission and desire) than she initially lets on. Disclosing more might spoil the spooky and kinky fun. Actress Dana Brooke shines, and newcomer Tyler Pierce is also excellent. Tracy Prybyla's costumes gradually shift to black leather and studs. Director Buck Busfield raises the heat gradually—the story unfolds in linear time, with growing momentum. Th, F 8pm; Sa 5 & 9pm; Su 2pm; T 6:30pm; W, 2 & 6:30pm. Through 8/11. $25-$35. B Street Theatre, 2711 B St., (916) 443-5300, www.bstreettheatre.org.