But leave the kids at home.

The theater company called Tribe of Fools turns the Smurfs inside out in an original apocalyptic allegory - set to tra-la-la music by Derek Scattergood that gets even more appealing as it becomes more out of place.

The story is simple but the production, which calls for a synchronized mix of visuals and live action, isn't. The synch Monday night was a disturbing full second off through half the show.

The sweet Burps - resplendent in green body-fitting costumes and google-eyed greener masks - are bullied by the evil Gilgamesh and his two-headed feline, Azazel.

One of the Burps decides to make a deal with this devil. He'll turn over the world's only female Burp, on whom the future of the race depends, then rescue her and become a bona-fide Burp big shot in the eyes of the Mushroom Village. But things escalate. Will the Mushroom Village's name take on new meaning?

It's well done and nicely sung by a game cast directed by Terry Brennan, whose Tribe of Fools co-artistic director, Jay Wojnarowski, joined him in conceiving the show; Wojnarowski also wrote the lyrics, designed the masks, and animated the visuals.

Armageddon at the Mushroom Village integrates a sense of innocence with a sensation of doom; we don't know what we're getting into, it says, when we fail to explore the big picture.

Live Arts/Philly Fringe

For more information on shows, www.livearts-fringe.org or 215-413-1318.