Countries Shaped Like Stars

Part fairy tale, part vaudeville routine, part old-fashioned love story, this piece with Emily Pearlman and Nicolas Di Gaetano adds up to one outstanding hour. It traces the sweet, very funny story of two awkward lovers, Gwendolyn Magnificent and Bartholomew Spectacular, in a far-away, hopeful world where « anticipation grew on trees. » Pearlman gives a wonderfully physical performance as she brings to life her character Gwendolyn, a lady who grows something called dragon fruit for a living. Di Gaetano, dark eyes glittering, is Pearlman’s ideal, robust acting partner; his character Bartholomew spends his days « knitting allegories into woolen toques, » apparently a respectable livelihood in a world where countries are shaped like stars. Songs, some audience involvement and a frequently lyrical script round out this sure-fire hit. At Café Alt until June 27.

— Patrick Langston