BOWDOINHAM

Along winding scenic route 24 exists a charming town celebrating its 250th anniversary. Set on the coast of Merrymeeting Bay and on the banks of the Cathance River, downtown Bowdoinham has the charm typical of many a New England village.

It is certainly a far cry from the hustle bustle, smog, and superficiality of Los Angeles, which is probably one of the many reasons Stephen Legawiec relocated his Ziggurat Theatre Ensemble here in 2011.

Lucky for Maine he did so. His current production, “Aquitania,” is one very good reason why you should take the highway or byway to Bowdoinham. But do so soon, the production closes Sunday.

“Aquitania” is a delightful story within a story, featuring magic, mystery and mayhem. According to Legawiec, it is “an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ tale for grown-ups.”

The play begins and ends with a young girl sitting before a chessboard, discussing strategy with her French tutor. The ancient game is an allegory for a military situation in the mythical land of Aquitania.

While the king, ancestor of the great Charlemagne, is away defending the border, an evil bowler-bedecked despot captures Aquitania’s sole mountain but he needs three items in the king’s possession to truly conquer the land. A visit from a logical librarian is the only solution to this stalemate but can she, an outsider, save Aquitania?

With her impeccable research and reading skills, Marguerite the librarian helps Prince Roland and his entourage find and face Aquitania’s enemy but it is only with imagination and creative thinking that she can foil the evil plot.

The cloud backdrop and aforementioned bowler hat, and, naturally, the librarian’s name, are all nods to the surrealist painter, Rene Magritte, perhaps most famous for his painting of a pipe with the words, “Ceci, ce n’est pas un pipe (this is not a pipe).”

While the play’s plot description sounds serious — and certainly the message to keep an open mind should be taken so — Aquitania is actually a very amusing comedy. There is physical humor, impressive tongue-twisting wordplay, ribald dancing, and displays of wit.

Like “Alice in Wonderland,” the play works on several levels so there is action to entertain children, though it is not recommended for those younger than 6, and it contains dialogue that will fly over kids’ heads to make parents laugh out loud.

The spare set, subtle lighting changes, and minimal props force the audience to use its imagination to travel to Aquitania but even the most logical person will easily make the trip. This play must rely on the talent of its performers and each of the professional members was fantastic.

Especially admirable were the three females who made up a not Greek but French chorus. They kept the audience in stitches. It is regrettable that most of their songs are sung in French, for though it adds to the play’s style, the lyrics will be lost to those not fluent in the langue d’amour.

The costumes added to each character’s personality and the mostly red, white and blue palette underscored the nationality. And, of course, evildoers wear black.

For a small local theater in a small rural town, the Ziggurat Theatre Ensemble offers quality entertainment. If you go, and it is highly recommended you not miss this annual event, wear lightweight fabrics and bring ice water. The town hall is not air-conditioned, but don’t fret. You will be laughing so hard at the intentionally awkward dance routines of the enchanted — and enchanting — characters that you won’t mind the summer heat.

Just like this season in Maine, enjoy the show while it lasts because it won’t be here long.

REVIEWER’S NOTE: This librarian would like people to know that unlike Marguerite, librarians do NOT “read for a living.”

Aquitania

When: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Bowdoinham Town Hall
How much: $20 adults; $15 students, seniors and veterans;
$10 children younger than 12