Last Chance

Theater

The 1962 reunion of the once-popular Calendars, a Weavers-like folk trio split by the anti-communist hysteria of the 1950s, is a tense one. Fervent political and social activist Fred and his loyal wife, Kathy, haven’t seen partner Curly since the pair’s blacklisting by the House Un-American Activities Committee. In a New York City rehearsal room, they prepare for a three-song Calendars spot on Curly’s TV show--if they can agree on the songs. Seamlessly staged by director Michael Canavan, William Mesnik’s “Three Songs� is infused with passionate immediacy by actors Stephen Rockwell, Jennifer Hetrick and Kim Story, who sing with stirring conviction; Story and Rockwell also provide deft accompaniment on guitar, banjo and harmonica. The 10 folk songs--workers’ anthems, a bawdy ballad, a breathtaking a cappella rendition of “Shenandoah�

--reveal each sharply defined character’s love, passion, anger and regret. Richard Spaulding’s sound design and Carol Doehring’s lighting enhance the production.

Lynne Heffley

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Ends Sunday at the Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena, (626) 441-5977.

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Also closing this weekend:

Fluffy Bunnies in a Field of Daisies--Matt Chaffee’s screamingly funny examination of modern mating rituals ends Sunday at the Zoo Theatre, 1611 N. Cahuenga Blvd., L.A., (323) 460-4233.

Trail of Tears--Joseph Hullett’s drama about a historian probing the story of a Cherokee farm woman in 1838 ends Sunday at the Chance Theater, 5576 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, (714) 777-3033.

The Worthy Master of the Law--Mark Scrivener’s comedy poking fun at the legal system ends Sunday at the Chance Theater, 5576 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, (714) 777-3033.