Welcome to Personville, nicknamed "Poisonville" by the locals. Where "the jazz is loud, the gin is cheap, and the women are selling more than just cigarettes... And nobody bats an eye when the bullets start flying."

That's the set-up for Red Harvest, the latest work from Minneapolis' celebrated Theatre de la Jeune Lune troupe, opening May 6 for a run through June 21. The piece is based on a classic bit of Dashiell Hammett noir, which will here interpolate visual effects "and dancing."

As with most Jeune Lune shows, Harvest is adapted and created by the company. Staging the piece is is co-artistic director Vincent Gracieux.

Designing the show in film noir style is Dominique Serrand, drawing strongly from the works of Edward Hopper. Sonya Berlovitz designed the costumes. Starring in the show are Berlovitz, Serrand, Robert Rosen, Steven Epp, Luverne Seifert, Joel Spence and director Gracieux.

Jeune Lune fans will also want to take part in the company's annual "Moonlight Madness" show, June 27 only, grouping together "the Twin Cities' finest, funniest and/or weirdest performers." Tickets to the benefit run $40-$75. For tickets ($9-$21) and information on Red Harvest at Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 North First St., call (612) 333-6200.

-- By David Lefkowitz