‘Naked Girl’ wraps surprises in laughter

When two young people return home from a year of European travel, they bring news that not only surprises their parents -- Bess, an author and cooking show host, and Jeffrey, a genius with big ideas -- it sparks a series of neighborhood revelations in Richard Greenberg’s comedy, “A Naked Girl on the Appian Way.” Directed by Mark Rucker, this world premiere, by South Coast Repertory’s most commissioned playwright, is part of SCR’s 2005 Pacific Playwrights Festival.

“A Naked Girl on the Appian Way,” South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Opens 8 p.m. Friday. Runs 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; ends May 8. $27 to $56. (714) 708-5555.