Shannon Mahoney's Cass goes on a one-of-a-kind road trip in David Lindsay-Abaire's early comedy "Wonder of the World."

Cass has one of the longest "to do" lists ever seen, and she kicks it off with a trip to Niagara Falls. In this picaresque story by the talented Lindsay-Abaire, nothing really normal ever happens (where would the fun in that be?) as Cass encounters the weirdest, wildest group of folks imaginable.

Included in the hilarity are bizarrely themed restaurants and marriage counseling in the form of "The Newlywed Game" led by a therapist dressed as a clown. Jessica Berkey directs Beth Edwards, Justin T. Muñoz, and a large supporting ensemble along with Mahoney.

At the Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento. Tickets are $13 and $15. Performances are 8 p.m Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 3. Information: (916) 960-3036, www.bigideatheatre.com

Are we there yet?

Also hitting the road are the folks in "Leaving Iowa," now playing at Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre.

Tim Clue and Spike Manton wrote the comedy about a middle-aged writer trying to find the right place to scatter his father's ashes while recalling driving vacations the family took when he was a boy.

Julie Anchor directs a cast featuring Brandon Rapoza, Georgann Wallace, Philip Pittman and Kelley Ogden.

The Main Street Theatre Works summer home is a charming open-air space in Amador County's Jackson. Bring jackets, blankets, low-back chairs and mosquito repellant.

At 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Sept. 3. Tickets are $12 - $17.50. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnics. 1105 N. Main St., Jackson. Information: (209) 304-6690, www.mstw.org

Continuing

Bob and Ro Productions, that would be the venerable Bob and Rosemarie Gerould, presents an evening of one acts, "The Problem" and "The Zoo Story."

The adult-oriented show plays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 28. Each play comes from a 20th century master. "The Problem" was written by A.R. Gurney, and "The Zoo Story" was one of Edward Albee's earliest triumphs.

At the Studio Theatre, 1028 R St., Sacramento. Tickets are $20 general admission, $18 seniors and $15 students. Information: (877) 532-7171.

Here comes Elly!

The Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance announces more than 400 Elly nominees at 7 p.m. Sunday at their annual nomination party.

This year the shindig goes down at the home of Bob and Ro Productions at the Studio Theatre, 1028 R St. (10th and R streets). Admission is free.

The Elly celebrates achievements in local community theater over the past year. Over 70 theaters submit more than 200 shows for the volunteer Elly judges to see.

The top 80 vote-getters receive their Elly Awards at the lavish award ceremony, on Sept. 25 this year, at the Crest Theatre.

Information: (916) 443-8229, www.sarta.com.

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Call The Bee's Marcus Crowder, (916) 321-1120.

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