Scapin

But anyone who saw him onstage in New York in the title role of Moliere's "Scapin," or cherished his cameo in "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle," knows the range this compact $5-year-old actor possesses.

Way Beyond Spaghetti And Meatballs 2008

"Scapin" more of a comedy about theater than the old farce of a wily servant outwitting mean masters to help the young lovers.

SFGate: Top News Stories Robert Hurwitt 2010

But his "Scapin" is a generous gag-fest, packed with rib-tickling delights from his golden-age-of-clowning stage reunion with Geoff Hoyle and other early Pickle Family Circus mates to the contributions of ACT regulars, returnees and newcomers.

SFGate: Top News Stories Robert Hurwitt 2010

This is "Scapin" as a tour de force of comedy with an edge.

SFGate: Entertainment Robert Hurwitt 2010

This is "Scapin" as a tour de force of comedy with an edge.

SFGate: Top News Stories Robert Hurwitt 2010

"Molière didn't write this part," Bill Irwin's Scapin explains to a skeptical-looking cast mate midway through the hilarious "Scapin" that opened Wednesday at American Conservatory

SFGate: Entertainment Robert Hurwitt 2010

"Molière didn't write this part," Bill Irwin's Scapin explains to a skeptical-looking cast mate midway through the hilarious "Scapin" that opened Wednesday at American Conservatory

SFGate: Top News Stories Robert Hurwitt 2010

: Too bad he missed Wednesday's opening of ACT's "Scapin," directed by, adapted by and starring

SFGate: Top News Stories Leah Garchik 2010

: Too bad he missed Wednesday's opening of ACT's "Scapin," directed by, adapted by and starring

SFGate: Entertainment Leah Garchik 2010

"Scapin" more of a comedy about theater than the old farce of a wily servant outwitting mean masters to help the young lovers.

SFGate: Entertainment Robert Hurwitt 2010