Best Bets : FOR THE KIDS : ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ Updated to a Rap and Reggae Beat

The California Lutheran University drama department will premiere its Spring Children’s Theatre Production of “Rumpelstiltskin” Saturday in the Little Theatre.

If the brothers Grimm were here to see this adaptation of their fairy-tale, they would get a peek inside popular culture. Rump’ is clad in leather and moves to rap and reggae beats.

Director Ken Gardner says the music has been replaced with original songs written by the cast. Youngsters in the audience won’t be left in their seats toe-tapping.

They will be part of the production, taking on roles such as pastries and flames for the baker’s fire.

* “RUMPELSTILTSKIN”

Saturday’s 1 p.m. performance in Cal Lutheran’s Little Theatre, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, will be followed by 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday showings. Other performances scheduled: 3 p.m. March 29, Walnut Elementary School, Newbury Park; 3:30 p.m. March 30, Brookside Elementary School, Oak Park; 1 and 3 p.m. March 31, Cal Lutheran’s Little Theatre, and 3 p.m. April 1, Moorpark Community Center, Moorpark. Tickets are $2.50 and available at the door on the day of the play. For more information, call 493-3151.