Kids’ corner

An engaging ‘Twelfth Night’

Sophisticated enough for adults, with a story and humor that can engage children: “Twelfth Night,” family style, opens Saturday at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood.

Shakespeare’s gender-bending romantic comedy about a shipwrecked young woman who disguises herself as a duke’s page -- then falls for the duke while his intended falls for her masculine persona -- is presented by Parson’s Nose Productions as part of the Geffen’s “Saturday Scene” family series.

“Twelfth Night,” with its romance, confusion of mistaken identities, physical humor and pinpricked pomposity, is a natural for family audiences, said Lance Davis, leader of the 2-year-old professional company.

“It’s about a strong young woman that Shakespeare has put through a trial of fire before the play even starts, and so she sees what is true and worthwhile in life. I have a 12-year-old daughter, and that’s a wonderful message.”

“Twelfth Night,” Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. Adults, $5; children, $1. (310) 208-6500, Ext. 198.

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Covert jazzes up family entertainment

Chicago-based Ralph Covert is a rock artist turned kids’ performer with an irresistibly unexpected approach to family music, and his third children’s album is another original mix of pop and jazz rhythms and soulful and wildly inventive lyrics, including songs about a trombone-playing dog, an escalator-riding alligator, a car-fetching pet dinosaur and a scatting “Betty Botter.”

Covert will perform at Storyopolis on Saturday, presented in conjunction with a “Passport to Reading” event for ages 3 and up.

“Happy Lemons,” Ralph Covert. Waterdog Music/Mini Fresh. CD: $13-$15. Ages 3 to 8. www.ralphsworld.com, www.minifresh.com.

Storyopolis, 116 N. Robertson Blvd., Plaza A, L.A. Saturday at 11 a.m. $6. (310) 358-2512.

-- Lynne Heffley