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.