Carlo Gozzi's dark 18th century commedia dell'arte fairy tale "The King Stag" takes us to the Kingdom of Serendippo and a court full of amorous intrigue. The king is auditioning women to be his queen, while all along there is one who loves him for who he really is rather than the power and wealth he enjoys.

Commedia expert Jamie Van Camp directs the adaptation by Shelley Berc and Andrei Belgrader for Falcon's Eye Theater, the production arm of the Department of Theatre and Cinema at Folsom Lake College. The magical production features traditional commedia masks handmade specifically for the production, which also features costumes designed by Paulette Sand-Gilbert.

"The King Stag" has its last shows this weekend at 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students and seniors. At The City Studio at Three Stages Performing Arts Center on the campus of Folsom Lake College. Purchase tickets at www.threestages.net or (916) 608-6888

Opposites attract

Ed Claudio's Actor's Theatre of Sacramento presents Morris Panych's dark two-man comedy "Lawrence & Holloman." The relentlessly self-promoting Lawrence won't let anything get him down, while mild-mannered Holloman seems to be always on the bottom looking up. Somehow they cook up a bizarre and often surreal murder plot. The fine, versatile young actors Eason Donner and Matt Moore play the two very different characters; the veteran Claudio directs. The production continues 8 p.m Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through June 3. At the Three-Penny Theatre in the California Stage Complex, 1721 25th St., Sacramento. Tickets are $15-$17. For reservations or information call (916) 501-6104.

'The Meaning of It All'

Producer and director Ray Tatar's California Stage continues its 20th season anniversary with a world premiere comedy by Robert Lautz the writer calls "The Meaning of It All." In Renaissance Pisa, a young inventor and occasional alchemist Calvino Mezzo Zucco tries to win the hand of Alonza Tempesta. To gain favor with Alonza's father, Calvino suggests he may have discovered the secret of creating gold – and wouldn't you know it, hilarity ensues. Brennan Villados, Tony Hutto, Chelsea Barone, Josephine Longo, Arturo Gonzales and Mahlon Greenhalgh star, with set designs by Kurt Kurtis and costumes by Jenny Plummer. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 27 at California Stage Theater. R25 Arts Complex, 2509 R St., Sacramento Tickets are $15-$20. For information: (916) 451-5822.

'Sorrows and Rejoicings'

The great South African playwright Athol Fugard again explores the legacy of apartheid in his homeland with the drama "Sorrows and Rejoicings." The story of two women and the man who has moved them touches on the personal and political realties in that most complicated of countries. Alana Mathews, Jeff Bagley, LaKeisha Mondy and Carolyn Gregory make up the cast. James Wheatley directs. At Celebration Arts Theater, 4469 D St., Sacramento. Performances at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 27. Tickets are $13-$15; Thursdays all seats are $8. Call (916) 455-2787 for information.

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