Theater Review

Tom Titus

Upstairs, on the mainstage of South Coast Repertory, Hal Landon Jr.

probably can play Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” for as long as he wants

to -- it’s 20 years and counting.

Downstairs, however, where Octavio Solis’ “La Posada Magica” is being

presented for the sixth yuletide season, the leading lady (Crissy

Guerrero) was getting a little old to be portraying a teenage girl. So

this year we have a new Gracie in the role of Tiffany Ellen Solano, who’s

also pretty terrific in the central role of this Hispanic Christmas

story.

Solano isn’t the only new face this year, although she’s the brightest.

Most of the company has undergone a transition, with the narrator for the

past four seasons (Jorge Galvan) moving into the director’s chair,

replaced by Armando Duran. The showcase role of Refugio, so masterfully

played for years by Thom Rivera, now falls to Dominic Flores.

Overall, however, “La Posada Magica” still warms the heart while tickling

the funny bone in both English and Spanish. Solis’ tale of a Christmas

Eve posada, which takes on a surreal quality when a petulant young girl

-- embittered by the death of her baby brother -- disrupts it, remains a

joyful experience in any language.

Solano’s heart-rendering performance is the glue that holds this Hispanic

Christmas package together. Her anger and resentment are skillfully

presented, and her eventual emergence as a reluctant heroine is

accomplished with a natural sense of wonderment.

Duran may not possess Galvan’s easy sense of authority as the leader of

the posada, and its narrative connection with the audience, but he’s

still quite acceptable in the part. Flores encounters more of a challenge

with his brash young delinquent Refugio, which still has Rivera’s

fingerprints all over it.

Benito Martinez returns with a flourish as the school security guard who

doubles and triples as an embittered father and Duran’s fellow masked

hoodlum. Martinez and Duran are at their best in the latter guise,

properly overplaying their comic villainy.

Also back for second and third helpings are Denise Blasor and Yolanda

Lloyd Delgado, doubling as chocoholics giving in to temptation on the

posada and Siamese twin widows. Their timing, particularly in the latter

assignment, is exceptional.

Teresa Velarde, who originated the roles of Gracie’s mother and the

pregnant Mariluz, is back to add a glowing dimension to the show. Since

Duran has moved from the role of her husband to that of the posada

leader, or jefe, Al Rodrigo takes over impressively.

Marcos Loya, the show’s musical director from its inception, again heads

up the three-piece combo (with Flores and Lorenzo Martinez), which

punctuates the story. Flores’ rocking solo shot is entertaining, but far

short of Rivera’s magic moments of the past.

“La Posada Magica” may have taken on a new look, but it’s still a

magical, musical experience, whether or not you’re fluent in Spanish. The

spirit is still richly abundant in this SCR holiday package.

“La Posada Magica”WHERE: South Coast Repertory Second Stage, 655

Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m.,

Sundays at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. through Dec. 26HOW MUCH: $18-$30

PHONE: (714) 708-5555