After seeing two plays about disasters, two plays about maniacs bent on destruction, two plays about poets struggling to get their visions heard, and one about triumphing over family dysfunction, it seemed to be time to watch something more whimsical.

When I read the description of The Battle of Spanktown, with words like hallucinatory and bawdy, I had my doubts whether this would be a good show for me. A drug induced exploration of sexuality isn't high on my list of preferred theatrical topics. Yet at the same time, the description talks about a battle betwixt the Mole and the Badger. The website and the first review I found which describes it as a delightful 18th century picaresque led me to suspect it might be closer to a children's play. Indeed, there were various kids in the audience Monday afternoon.

The play did have some bawdiness, particularly questioning what else Ben Franklin had dangling besides a key at the end of his kite and references to his diplomatic efforts that exposed him to various diseases. Yet they were of such a sort that younger minds probably wouldn't have picked up on them.

I must admit, I am not your typical theatre critic. As a general rule, I disdain talking about method or analyzing scripts. Despite having majored in philosophy years ago, explorations into the aesthetics, sociological themes and all that stuff does little for me. Analyses of props, sets and costumes does even less. To me, the success of the play is measured in part by how much it makes me consider ideas I haven't approached in the past, but more importantly, in how engaged I become in the play. How many times did I look at my watch? Did I find my eyes looking at the machinery of theatre instead of the play itself?

The Battle of Spanktown did not make me think. By that standard, it was a wonderful whimsical waste of time. However, I was looking for whimsy, and I found it very enjoyable. More importantly, it was over too soon, a sign of true success.

If you are looking for serious theatre, look elsewhere. If you are looking for enjoyable theatre, consider The Battle of Spanktown.