The Buntport Theater ensemble members are among the smartest folk in the room. No, not in some superior and arch way. Instead, the inventive group – now in its 13 season – engages the lunacy of the world, literature and theater from an often absurdist, very meta remove. There’s a generous humility to their twisted undertakings.

There are hits. There are moments ever so slightly off the mark. There is never a shortage of ideas.

Through the next two weekends, Buntport revisits its 2010 “Jugged Rabbit Stew.”

The tale about an angry, brooding bunny named Snowball was their second musical undertaken with composer/lyricist Adam Stone.

“Jugged Rabbit Stew” is at times a little chewy, a bit overcooked, but there are many moments of earned pathos, dark humor and jagged music.

When we first meet Snowball, he’s in a foul mood and a dirtier bathrobe. Actor Erik Edborg does edgy work encased in the grungy bunny costume. Think the Grinch, only more self-aware and meaner.

His deep funk has put the kibosh on Alec the Amazing and All Powerful and assistant Mystical Marla’s magic act.

Evan Weissman portrays the hapless magician. How out of sorts? Let’s just say that Brian Colonna is amusing as Arm.

Pilfered goods hang from the rafters of the captivating and eerie set. An Electrolux, panty hose, an umbrella, Victrola phonograph and Woman.

Erin Rollman spends the play on a chair suspended in air. Her character Woman hasn’t fallen down a rabbit hole, exactly, more like a hovel. And yet, she’s full of sweet wonder at her good fortune. Before being added to Snowball’s cache, she was a fan, an avid audience member.

By the way, there is a reason a tattered copy of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” also hangs from the rafters. Our hero – who is not, we repeat, not a hare – will get his full measure.

Will we learn what makes him ticked off?

Sure he’s astoundingly flawed. But is he also tragic?

-Lisa Kennedy, February 21, 2014, Denver Post