THEATER REVIEW / ‘THE NIGHTINGALE’ : Song, Dance and Mime Tell the Emperor’s Tale : In Hans Christian Andersen fable being presented at Cal Lutheran University, ruler learns to follow his heart.

An emperor of ancient China learns to follow his heart in “The Nightingale,” a story from Hans Christian Andersen. A fast-paced and colorful dramatization is being presented for young children by the Cal Lutheran University drama department, in its 27th year of association with the Thousand Oaks chapter of the American Assn. of University Women.

The people of China love their emperor, but are less enthusiastic by his overwhelming need for material possessions. Even the gods are not amused, wiping out his beautiful gardens and his priceless collection of robes with wind and fire, respectively. When he hears the beautiful serenade of a nightingale, the emperor wants that, too.

Directed by Barbara Wegher-Thompson and featuring a cast of Cal Lutheran students, the fable combines elements of song, dance and mime, and a fair amount of audience participation--though no single child is singled out for possible embarrassment during the 40-minute show.

Shaun Travers plays a servant of the emperor and narrates the tale. Bill Dohle is a court musician, and Sean Dawson plays the Emperor. Elisa Johns and Tracy Bersley portray the two gods, doubling as Death and the nightingale, respectively--and Bersley’s is a lovely singing voice.

The costumes are uncredited, Denise Santoyo designed the atmospheric set, and Sara Rice and Paul Fagundes are credited with the fine lights and sound.

Details

* WHAT: “The Nightingale”

* WHERE: Cal Lutheran University Library in Thousand Oaks and at Medea Creek Middle School in Agoura

* WHEN: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Medea Creek, and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m. in the Preus-Brandt Forum in the Cal Lutheran Library

* COST: All tickets are $3

* FYI: For tickets or further information, call 495-4798.