Exposition has to be given solely through the dialogue, settings have to be suggested and characters must reveal themselves with action and words.

First Stage's "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funk as adapted by James DeVita is not entirely successful in accomplishing all these tasks. The result, though sometimes exciting, is a somewhat frantic, fragmented story that leaves many questions unanswered.

The tale is set in Venice during a chilly autumn where a pair of orphaned brothers is trying to avoid being adopted by their aunt and uncle.

Prosper and Bonafice (Prop and Bo) link up with a group of homeless children who are more or less supported by their hero, The Thief Lord, a somewhat Robin Hood figure who robs from the rich to give to the poor.

Aunt Esther has hired Victor, a detective as disorganized as he is lovable, to track down her nephews. Along the way, we also meet Barbarossa, the opportunistic buyer of hot goods, the warm-hearted photographer, Ida, and The Thief Lord's dictatorial father.

This plot to find the missing children and the mystery surrounding the Thief Lord's real identity and motivation unites with another storyline - the search for the flying lion's missing wing and the magic carousel that turns adults into children and children into adults.

Along the way, we are made to ponder the rich and poor dilemma, the dissatisfaction often experienced by humans of whatever age, and the ingenuity sometimes needed to survive. All of these themes are worthy of consideration, but the "throughline" in this play is somewhat muddled.

On the plus side, the set design by Sarah Hunt-Frank and the lighting effects created by Jason Fassl create a fittingly ominous atmosphere. The delineation of character is noteworthy on the part of Joe Faust as Detective Victor, Molly Glynn as the generous Ida, Balen Essak as the spunky Bo, Katie Shelledy as the take-charge Hornet and Gavin Rangel as the transformed Barbarossa.

The carousel created by Mark Hare was also impressive and a wonderful prop for creating the mystery and magic of the narrative.

The show runs through Feb. 14 at the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee. Call 414-273-7206 for times and tickets.

This offering is recommended for children eight years of age and older.

Coming up in March is the "The Wiz," a take-off on "The Wizard of Oz."

UW-Waukesha announces auditions

The University of Wisconsin-Waukesha theatre department has announced auditions for the premiere of its 2010 spring production, "Thieves," a comedy.

The auditions, which are open to the public, will be held by appointment only on Monday and Tuesday in the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 1500 N. University Drive, on the UW-Waukesha campus.

Auditions will consist of reading a scene from the play with another actor. Electronic copies of the script are available by e-mailing Director Steven Decker at

steven.decker@uwc.edu.

Roles will be cast for five men and three women. Characters range in age from late teens to the late 40s.

"This season we continue exploring contemporary comedies, as well as the challenges and benefits of working on new plays," Decker said. "We are especially excited to have contact with the 'Thieves' playwright, Doug Bedwell. Access to the playwright is always an asset to both director and actors working on the production."

"Thieves" will run from April 15 through April 18.