By pitching this 80-minute production to both adults and children, the family-oriented Tireswing Theatre ends up appealing to neither. Playwright Andrew Lines has created a Mexican-folklore version of the Faust legend, whose grand dimensions are sure to escape the little ones. But all the running around and screaming, presumably added for the kids’ benefit, will annoy anyone too old for cartoons. In brief, unmotivated allusions to the original folktale, Blancaflor resembles Cinderella. Yet she’s also the devil’s youngest daughter, who helps the Faust figure avoid his contractual obligations. The script’s anachronisms add another outlandish ingredient to the confused stew, though as delivered by the supporting cast they’re sometimes amusing. Through 10/9: Fri-Sat 8 PM, Sun 3 PM. Also 5 PM Sat. Athenaeum Theatre, first-floor studio theater, 2936 N. Southport, 312-902-1500. $10-$15.
