O.C. THEATER REVIEWS : Young Cast Ventures Enthusiastically Into ‘Toyland’

NEWPORT BEACH —  Victor Herbert’s “Babes in Toyland” is such a classic that some of its melodies seem a part of everyone’s youth. The charming nursery-rhyme characters bring back memories of childhood’s first picture books and the discovery of what an adventure reading can be.

Ruth Perry and Ann Smit’s adaptation for youth theater retains all that wonder, and Newport Theatre Arts Center’s staging, directed by Terri Miller Schmidt, gives the classic that fresh look that only the enthusiasm of its young performers can provide.

Of course, there are the usual hesitancies of the very youngest cast members, some of whom watch the audience watching them--but their reactions add to the sense of fun.

The biggest laugh of the show--and it’s a big one--when Bo Peep’s (an adorable Jessica Stewart) tiny lost sheep finally turn up, is worth all of Schmidt’s patience and inventiveness. It’s an irresistible surprise.

The older teen-age members of the company, who play the leads and other central figures, all give good performances, but some stand out. Corrine Hart is delightful as Jane, the girl whose parakeet has flown away and leads her and her friends on their greatest adventure away from the toy factory. But it is Stephen Garber as Tom Tom who is most notable for his very believable characterization and a fine singing voice, particularly in his solo “Jane.” He and Hart lead everyone vocally.

*

Good vocal turns also are well-handled by Leslie Holland as the beleaguered Widow Piper, Maureen Marks as the moth Queen Luna (who is be-webbed in the Valley of Spiders), and David Rivera as Roderigo, a henchman of Uncle Barnaby, who runs the toy factory and has lured three of the Widow’s children away to sell as toys.

Peter Young, wearing too much makeup, doesn’t need that help. He’s the perfect Toyland villain, whose sneers and grimaces effectively disguise his youth.

* “Babes in Toyland,” Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach. Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Ends Dec. 18. $8. (714) 631-0288. Running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes.

Corrine Hart: Jane

Stephen Garber: Tom Tom

Peter Young: Uncle Barnaby

Leslie Holland: Widow Piper

David Rivera: Roderigo

Jessica Stewart: Bo Peep

Maureen Marks: Queen Luna / Colette

A Newport Theatre Arts Center production of the Victor Herbert classic, produced by Brenda Abshear and Jeanne Nininger. Directed by Terri Miller Schmidt. Choreography: Kai Chubb. Scenic design: Larry Watts. Costume design: Gena Stredlow. Lighting design: Jane Hobson.