Valley Weekend : Silliness Rules in Futuristic ‘Lepratrons’ Tale

The future, according to the Moon (Jason Hicks), is ruled by the evil Balthazar the Goat (Cristian George), aided by his Lepratrons (Dayna keyes, Kahlil Nelson), which are automated leprechauns. It is AD 22,014. Back at the end of the 20th Century there were leprechauns seen in Pacoima Park, namely the ditsy Norco (Amy O’Neill) and Covina (Jade Gordon), and their Gold (O.G. Banks III, in glittering lame shorts.).

What happens to Norco and Covina after Balthazar steals their Gold for his own hideous purposes, is the confused, very silly and totally juvenile plot of “Lepratrons,” a “cyber-musical-hyper-odyssey” at The Black Whole Theatre. The story is by Gordon and O’Neill. It was adapted for the stage and directed by Stefan Haves, and they should all be embarrassed by the disjointed, pointless result. None of it works, even some mildly amusing intratheatricality, an old stage device in which the script occasionally reminds the audience that they are watching a play. The dialogue is corny, the songs (by Jason Hicks and Laura Hall) are uninspired and tuneless, and the acting is abysmal.

Some imagination has been used by director Haves in the staging, which moves around a lot, more than would seem possible in such a tiny space. Some of the technical effects are marginally clever.

* “Lepratrons.” Black Whole Theatre, 5920 Van Nuys Bolvd., Van Nuys. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ends Sunday. $8 (818) 559-1263.