After four Spoleto shows and nine Piccolo Spoleto shows, all I can say is "wow." For some of these shows, that wow means I would enjoy seeing it again. For others, it means, "Wow, I actually sat through it."

England's Hoipolloi Theatre production of "Story of a Rabbit" was one of the most unique I have ever seen. This one-man show uses slides, film, music, songs, props and even an audience sing-along to tell its story. The tale is anything but simple -- the performer (also the writer) tries to come to terms with the death of his father by also dealing with the death of his neighbor's rabbit. Sound confusing? Well, it is ... but also, very compelling. I would say I was "hoppy" to see it, but that would be tacky of me.

Gustave Charpentier's "Louise" (often called the French version of "La boheme") opened in 1900. This opera is a massive undertaking with more than 40 cast members. Louise, the titled character, is torn between her love for Julien, a romantic poet, and her sense of duty to her working class parents, who want her to stay, grow old and (like them) be bitter toward life. The first act was tedious, but the second act was clever and passionate. It is interesting to note that Charpentier wrote a sequel in 1913 called "Julien." Even with Caruso singing the lead at the American premiere of "Julien," this opera was deemed substandard and is no longer performed.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, celebrating its 50th anniversary, was even better than I had imagined. Although Ailey died in 1989, his dance company continues to enthrall audiences around the world. This performance was divided into three of Ailey's former works -- the "Blues Suites," "Suite Otis" (I will never listen to Redding's music again without visualizing these dancers bringing his lyrics to life) and "Revelation" (considered to be Ailey's greatest work). I left the Gaillard feeling jubilant and energized, as if I had heard an inspiring sermon.

England's Kneehigh Theatre production of "Don John" is an interesting play adaptation of "Don Giovanni." The setting is 1978, and the title character is an amoral womanizer who destroys the lives of women who can't resist him. Flashing lights, loud noises, dancers, singers and suggestive encounters are all interwoven into the story line. This was not my favorite, but I was not bored.

At Piccolo Spoleto, I saw "The Dance Series At Noon," which spotlights various amateur dance ensembles from around the country. The Sumter Civic Dance Company performed the day I attended. This one-hour production was entertaining and a wonderful break from the midday heat.

Spencer Deering's "Sheep's Clothing" is a new one-act play that premiered earlier this year in Charleston. Most of the action takes place in a school locker room, where all of the performers are trying to come to terms with a scandal that involves a teacher and a student. I applaud new work, but I think this play would have been better and tighter as an hour production, not 90 minutes.

"The Gentleman Pirate" is a 35-minute, one-man show about this infamous pirate Stede Bonnet. Rodney Rogers, the writer and performer, presents this new work at the historic Powder Magazine. I was at the premiere, which did have some glitches. I believe that once these are worked out, this production will become a regular and enjoyable tourist attraction. "The Gentleman Pirate" brings new meaning to SRO, since there is no seating.

"The Last Five Years" is a two-person musical about a couple that falls in and out of love over the course of -- you guessed it -- five years. The songs are actually monologues set to music, some of which went on several stanzas too long. Since this was a one-act production, it could have been shortened to one hour instead of its 90-minute length.

Joy Vandervort-Cobb's one-woman show "Moments of Joy" is delightful. This talented performer (who teaches theater at the College of Charleston) weaves a funny, poignant tale as she tells of her life through word and song.

"Quills" is a comedy-drama about the last days of the Marquis de Sade as an inmate at the Charenton asylum. What makes this stellar production so amazing is that it is produced, directed and acted by students of the College of Charleston theater department. The show contains nudity and adult language.

"Quintango" is five musicians who spotlight (of course) tango music. Four dancers perform during some of the selections, which helps vary the program. This Washington, D.C., group has been appearing at Piccolo Spoleto for years. Since I had not seen them in a while, I decided to take another look. They are worth seeing, but once is enough.

"The Bitter Poet" is a fast-paced, 45-minute show that is written and performed by South Carolina native Kevin Draine. This now New Yorker strums his guitar as he shares his poetry about, as he says, "Looking For Love In All The Wrong Cafes, Strip Clubs, And Black Box Performing Spaces." He made me proud to be a South Carolinian, too.

"Little City Cabaret" was a huge disappointment. Although there were some talented singers, the production itself was boring and trite. Even though they give away a few free prizes at every show, I would not want to go back.

I hope these comments make you want to check out Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto yourselves. Visit spoletousa.org and piccolospoleto.com for more information. These festivals run through June 7.

Orangeburg native Boo Sheppard, retired host of Time-Warner's "Orangeburg Inside Out," lives in Charleston with her husband, Macon.

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