--- Theater review

Be prepared for an evening of all-out laughter when you attend the Fremont Centre Theatre's newest production, ScaredyCats, written by San Fernando Valley native Cheryl Bascom.

It's a sly satire, a zany farce and a sexy romantic comedy all rolled into one.

Peter Pudney's ( Dan Wingard) shy, sweet, suburban wife has morphed into a weight-lifting, pistol-packing, female Rambo, and he can't quite figure it out.

She says crime is on the rise in their neighborhood and they must be prepared, but there's no evidence of it.

Still, Christine ( Julian Berlin) is determined to convince her husband and their neighbors of the danger and invites them all to join a Neighborhood Watch group, led by the hot and handsome Officer Bryce Melton ( Bradley Snedeker).

On the designated evening, a line up of oddball and outlandish characters appears at their door and soon a network of secret liaisons begins to emerge.

(See photos above)

There's the gay couple, Adam and Tony ( Christian Malmin, Josh T. Ryan) who play their clichéd character roles so broadly and over-the-top, that the audience is nearly always in hysterics when they are onstage.

Then there's Pat and Mary Helen Gleason ( Derek Long, Meeghan Holaway). He looks like a modern-day vampire, and she, like a presidential candidate.

They say they have five children, and one wonders what they must look like, especially judging from their over-sexed 15-year old, live-in nanny, Justine ( Lauren Waisbren) whom they bring to the meeting.

Lastly the ex-Marine-type, Carl Duffy ( Ben Brannon) and his pregnant-with-twins wife, Trina ( Heather Corwin) arrive. He drinks and flirts; she clings and weeps.

Lust, paranoia, hormones and egos all come into play as the neighbors take to the streets with walkie-talkies, weapons and camouflage attire.

What ensues is mayhem, and almost murder, as the group comes together in a madcap, all-out, battle royal, with shots, screams, arrests, and revelations.

Kudos to director Doug Clayton for casting such an outstanding group of thespians who know how to push "the envelope" to the extreme for comedic effect, and for delivering a thoroughly enjoyable performance! You won't want to miss it.

"ScaredyCats"plays Friday andSaturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. through Sept. 28. Call 866-811-4111 for reservations.

General admission is $25; students and seniors $20.

The Fremont Centre Theatre is located at 1000 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, 91030, and has plenty of free parking.