Kids are free to act up during this classic

When it comes to introducing kids to the classics, Parson’s Nose Productions has carved out an enjoyable little niche.

The members of this lively company, with extensive credits on Broadway, off-Broadway and in local and regional theater, know their way around a stage, and it shows.

Led by artistic director Lance Davis, these theater pros have also proved adept at engaging family audiences in bite-sized adaptations of works by Shakespeare and Moliere, among them “A Family Twelfth Night,” “Family Mi$er,” “Servant of Two Masters” and “The Family Scapin.”

The company turns to an American classic for its latest effort -- Washington Irving’s “Rip Van Winkle,” by way of Joseph Jefferson’s 19th century melodrama.

Directed by Ivar Brogger and adapted by Davis, it moves Saturday to the Pasadena Playhouse for its last two shows after playing as part of the Geffen Playhouse’s Saturday Scene family theater series. Aimed at ages 6 and up, this seasonal offering is a cheery divertissement that draws kids into the mix in a big way.

The audience is invited to boo and hiss at dastardly landlord Klaus Van Beekman (played with wonderfully sneering aplomb by Michael Manuel), eagerly alert Rip Van Winkle (Davis, a hoot) to trouble and cheer his success. One volunteer is chosen to help young hero Lars (Trevor Murphy) read the land-grabbing contract that Rip nearly signs.

There are also ample opportunities for concerned kids to warn Rip away from the evils of demon drink. In melodrama fashion, you see, Rip’s fondness for ale contributes to his troubles with scheming Van Beekman and the pirate ghosts (in commedia dell’arte masks), who bespell Rip to sleep for 20 years.

In the end, natch, Rip, Van Beekman, Rip’s shrewish wife (Mary Chalon) and Van Beekman’s toady Cockles (Ogie Zuluega) learn their lessons, and Lars and Meenie (Margi Simmons), Rip’s sweet daughter, add a little romance to the happily-ever-after.

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‘Rip Van Winkle’

Where: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena

When: 11 a.m. Saturday and Nov. 13

Price: $10; younger than 12, $5

Contact: (626) 356-PLAY

Running time: 50 minutes