Synetic’s “Don Quixote”.

Synetic Theatre’s take on the legend of Don Quixote sometimes feels like a thrilling adventure story. Sometimes, it’s an exaggerated, goofy exercise, almost a children’s tale. And sometimes…well, sometimes Sancho Panza is delivering a crude, discordant pseudo-rap about his newly ordained governorship to his subjects, who are grinding away below him, as if at a rave.

Yes, it’s a little confusing.

As a result, the production never really finds its tone. Is it embracing Don Quixote’s (Dan Istrate) legendary, unyielding chivalry, which flies in the face of reality? Or is it joining with the universe around the Spaniard, who is mocking him at every turn? The overall theme is unclear.

Synetic’s productions always emphasize dance and movement, leaning more abstract with story and dialogue (Don Quixote, unlike many of the company’s shows, is not silent, and its script wavers between straightforward translation and a more comical, contemporary interpretation). This leads to some arresting scenes, particularly one of Quixote’s visions involving Dulcinea (Francesca Jandasek), the woman who owns his heart (even if she’s a mythical upgrade of Aldonza, a barmaid and pig’s daughter played by Natalie Berk). Here, Dulcinea has been taken over by evil, birdlike spirits, led by the monstrous Freston (Alex Mills). It all happens against a graffiti-flecked background with black light accents and effects. It’s an exciting scene, and it isn’t the only one — Quixote’s epic battle with Fresno is smoky and chilling, with actors whirling about like the spokes of the windmill they’re invoking.

Istrate and Ryan Sellers as Sancho form a sweet partnership as the adventuring duo. Istrate struts around stage almost like a marionette on strings, while Sellers mugs at the audience and delivers some of the show’s most amusing lines. Berk’s take Aldonza is trashy sweet (she also gets some time for villany as the cruel Altisidora who is spurned by Quixote). Mills’ Freston twists his way into creepy, atheltic contortions, and feels like a formidable enemy.

Don Quixote may never quite gel into something cohesive, but its creative staging and roster of intriguing performances at least makes an old tale feel fresh.

Don Quixote runs through July 3 at Synetic’s Crystal City home; tickets are available online.