Theater Reviews: The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk, They Call Me Mister Fry, Bones

GO  THE TRUE STORY OF JACK AND THE BEANSTALK For the past 12 summers, the Culver City Public Theatre has been staging free plays in cozy Carlson Park for families. Audiences bring picnics, blankets and chairs and gather under shady trees for an hour or so of entertainment — generally crowd-pleasing fare such as popular Shakespeare comedies and kid-friendly classics. Now playing is an imaginative adaptation (by director Heidi Dotson) of the fairy tale "Jack and the Beanstalk." Dotson cleverly blends the tale of the golden goose with the familiar story of simpleton Jack, who trades the family cow for a handful of magic beans. Nicely expanded into two acts that fill an hour, the retooled story presents the usually terrifying giant (Dean Edward) as a struggling poet with a devious wife (Ronnie Loaiza), and fashions a thoroughly happy ending. Beautifully narrated by the cow, Milky White (Rachanee Kitchel) — whom, hilariously, only the audience can understand — this sweet, magical play had little kids and adults giggling. Cute sets, costumes and props, as well as the lovely cast, make this is a delightful, low-tech production. Dr. Paul Carlson Memorial Park, Motor Avenue & Braddock Drive, Culver City; Sat.-Sun., noon. (in rep with "The Enchanted Cottage, which performs at 2 p.m.); through August 22. (310) 712-5482. A Children's Popcorn Theater production. (Pauline Adamek)

A WALK IN THE WOODS Lee Blessing's play is set in Geneva, during a disarmament conference, where two negotiators seek to construct a treaty acceptable to both sides. Stodgy, naive, idealistic American John Honeyman (owlish Fox Carney) believes in rationality, and wants to make the world safe from nuclear holocaust. Andre Botvinnik (volatile Larry Eisenberg), a canny, cynical Russian with an impish sense of humor, knows the two powers, the U.S. and Russia, are more interested in seeming to want a disarmament agreement than in actually wanting one. He no longer believes in the reality of their mission, and hopes to make life more palatable by making a friend of Honeyman. He attempts amusingly frivolous conversation, but Honeyman is incapable of frivolity, and likes it that way. Their friendship can only bumble along, with two steps back for every step forward. Their debates are clever, literate and passionate, and their halting steps toward friendship are touching and funny. Richard Alan Woody directs with finesse and draws fine performances from his actors, but he never manages to convince us that the stakes are particularly high, when they couldn't be higher. The Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., N.Hlywd.; Fri., 8 p.m., Sat., 4 p.m., through September 4. Produced by the Group Repertory at the Lonny Chapman Theatre. (818) 700-4878, thegrouprep.com. (Neal Weaver)

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• Twins Leah
• Ty Taylor
• Meryl Streep
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WHEN IT RAINS GASOLINE/TAPE The first of these one-acts is written by Jason D. Martin and explores the angst-ridden, perplexing world of teens. Through a loosely connected montage of scenes, the cast members confront issues that include dating, sex and abstinence, social networking, peer pressure and jealousy. Some of this is engaging, much is facile. In one scene, Alyssa (Evelyn Gonzalez) spends an inordinate amount of time whining about a prom dress. In another, Emily (Sara Swain), who has just found out she's pregnant, obliges us with fruitless, albeit tender, reflections. Glaringly absent are issues of the troublesome topics of drug abuse and racism. Mason does explore — with brutal clarity — issues of homosexuality and homophobia. The cast performs capably under Joe Filippone and Joelle Arqueros' direction. Did he or didn't he? The answer is far from clear in Stephen Belber's "Tape," a Pinter-esque tale of guilt and retribution. Tossed from his home by an irate girlfriend, low-level drug dealer Vince (Nicolas Read), takes up residency in a Motel 6, where he hooks up with his longtime buddy Jon (Will Shivers). The bon homie atmosphere gradually gives way to simmering hostilities, as Vince accuses Jon of raping his old girlfriend. A taped confession to the crime stirs the pot even more, but the real punch comes when Amy (Whitney Ayers), the girl who was allegedly raped, shows up and immediately starts to mind-fuck the duo. The final scene is darkly hilarious. Belber provides a script loaded with psychological subtlety, and director Argueros commands some really good performances. The Renegade Theatre, 1514 N. Gardner St., Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat.7 p.m.; through August 7. (323) 769-5566. (Lovell Estell III)