“Welcome to the smallest circus in the world,” Isabella Rossellini declares proudly at the outset of Link Link Circus. She uncovers the missing links connecting humans and other animals, and the numerous ways animals reveal their intelligence and emotions, in a fanciful “theatricalized lecture” that combines film, music and animation with storytelling and revelations from the actor’s studies in animal behavior. Although Rossellini is Link Link Circus’ creator, writer, co-director and central performer, the show is inevitably stolen by her small, costumed dog Pan, who variously portrays a dinosaur, elephant, sheep, lion and bee. Rossellini’s witty observations about evolution, farming, nature and man turn out to be unexpectedly poignant. Lodge Room, 104 N. Avenue 56, Highland Park; Thurs.-Fri., Feb. 13-14, 7 p.m.; Mon.-Wed., Feb. 17-19, 7 p.m.; $45 & $60. (323) 509-2861. And at Malibu Playhouse, 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; Sat.-Sun., Feb. 15-16, 8 p.m.; $95. (323) 960-7711. 

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