Hapless slackers everywhere will turn a grim shade of chartreuse when they discover that one hapless slacker found a genie in his hookah. But any uncomfortable jealousy should evaporate when they realize the genie steals his dignity. And his pants.

Written by Michael Phillis (who also plays the unfortunate pants-less slacker), Wish We Were Here was a hit at the 2008 FringeNYC. Quirky and hilarious, this tale of master-tries-to-tame-unruly-genie-and-fails-utterly was a Time Out New York critic’s pick and got a shout-out from New York Magazine. Now it gets its west coast premiere at New Conservatory. 

Sara Moore plays the whipcracking genie with her special brand of physical comedy, honed under the big tops of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey. Don't worry, Moore’s clever, take-no-bullshit bottle goddess kicks Barbara Eden’s flighty ‘60s genie ass. 

June 9-25. New Conservatory Theater Center, 25 Van Ness Ave. Tickets are $20-32 at 415-861-8972 or nctcsf.org.