There are some stories that sound much better in short-form synopsis than they play on stage (yes, Neil LaBute, I'm looking right at you). The description tells you everything, the execution not so much.

At first, the EMH Productions presentation of "Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead" at the Geery Theater seems like it might lean this way. The parody of the characters in "Peanuts" has the iconic kids all grown up (well, they've become teenagers), and it's not a pretty sight: drugs, eating disorders, bullying, sexual identity issues – sort of like an MTV series I saw once.

Well, it's not something Charles Schulz would have imagined or likely sanctioned, and his estate hasn't authorized or approved the script by Bert V. Royal.

The play's character names refer to the comic-strip originals, such as CB for the lead, CB's Sister and Beethoven (think Schroeder). That there's no Franklin or Snoopy somehow seems like a sadly missed opportunity.

Since "Dog Sees God" had its world premiere at the 2004 New York International Fringe Festival, it's intermittently popped up around the country. Reviews were mixed in New York, but the show received raves in England.

Come to think of it, I think they like Neil LaBute a lot over there, too.

Eason Donner and Elise Hodge direct a cast that includes Kevin Frame as CB, Stephanie Smith as CB's Sister, Jacob Vuksinich as Matt, Declan Gallagher as Beethoven and Kara Ow as Van's Sister.

"Dog Sees God" runs at the Geery Theater, 2130 L St., Sacramento, through March 2. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m Sunday and 2 p.m. this Saturday. Tickets $22-$15. Information: (916) 214-6255; Emhpros.weebly.com. The production includes adult content and language.

Extensions galore

Sacramento Theatre Company's comic musical "BARK!" originally scheduled for closing Feb. 17 has added four more performances this weekend. The saga of a dog's life from the dog's point of view plays at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. On the Pollock Stage, 1419 H St. Sacramento. Information and tickets: (916) 443-6722; www.sactheatre.org.

Capital Stage's frequently hilarious cautionary farce "The North Plan" has added four more opportunities to see the one and only Katie Rubin through March 3. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Capital Stage, 2215 J St., Sacramento. Tickets are $22-$32. Student rush available. Call (916) 995-5464 or go to www.capstage.org.

B Street Theatre has extended Jack Gallagher's "Complete and Unfinished" for a second time with shows through March 9. This is the last weekend you can see it on B Street's Main Stage, though, as it moves into B3. Main Stage shows: 8 p.m. Friday; 5 and 9 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. B3 shows through March 3 are 7 p.m. Tuesday through next Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. March 2; 1 p.m. March 3. Further showtimes are 7 p.m. March 6-8 and 8 p.m. March 9. B3 Stage, 2727 B St., Sacramento. Tickets are $23-$35, $5 student rush. Information: (916) 443-5300, www.bstreettheatre.org.

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