The message of Terry Pratchett’s book is summed up in Stephen Briggs’ theatrical adaptation in a couple of succinct monologues: Words have the power to alter our perception of reality. With that out of the way, Briggs focuses primarily on the wackier elements of Pratchett’s Shakespearian spinoff. Three kooky witches plot to overthrow the duke and restore the kingdom to its rightful heir, who, inconveniently, is an infant. The plot remains mostly in Macbeth territory until Act 2, when the play-within-the-play’s the thing and Hamlet seems to take over. Briggs’ cleverest idea is to put Macbeth and Lady Macbeth–in this story, Duke and Duchess Felmet–in drag. The sniveling duke (Alicia Barta), who tries to get the damned spot off his hands with a cheese grater, is constantly being emasculated by the shrewd duchess (Todd van der Ark). Running over two hours, the production is far too long, exacerbated by a scene change every five minutes. But Barta and Van Der Ark both have excellent comic timing, and their consistently funny scenes make the show worth watching. BRENT ARONOWITZ Extended through July 24.

Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Starts: June 25. Continues through July 24, 2010