TOM TITUS -- Theater Review

What the Zuckers and the Farrely brothers are to frantic, far-out

comedy on the silver screen, the creative team of Ron House, Diz White,

John Neville-Andrews, Alan Shearman and Derek Cunningham is to live

theater.

This buffoonish bundle from Britain has assembled some of the wackiest

elements of theatrical hilarity, including “El Grande de Coca Cola,”

“Footlight Frenzy” and the current offering from Orange Coast College’s

repertory theater group, “Bullshot Crummond.”

The inventive and energetic rep company, under the creative aegis of

student director Shawn Shryer, is hitting the target with both barrels on

“Bullshot,” a satiric sendup of the English mystery-action thrillers of

the 1940s and ‘50s. The cast numbers only five, yet the characters are

innumerable, as are the characterizations, since one actor is charged

with myriad interpretations.

The satirical slapstick is delicious, enhanced by the talents of

Wagner, Stravinsky and other classical composers who never dreamed their

deadly serious works might one day be used to punctuate such inspired

silliness. But the ominous strains of “Ride of the Valkyries” or “The

Firebird Suite” are perfectly suited to accompany the antics of these

balmy Brits.

The title character, Hugh “Bullshot” Crummond -- inspired by the

old-time sleuth Bulldog Drummond -- is one of those steely Englishmen

whose ego is matched only by their ineptitude, yet who constantly prevail

when the fish and chips are down. The role is portrayed with colorful

aplomb by James McGinnis, who obviously has glimpsed more than a few

“Pink Panther” movies and delivers his self-obsessed characterization

with upper lip perpetually stiff.

The fluttery damsel, whose eccentric inventor father is in distress,

is sweetly enacted by Alison Hartson. As the captive patriarch -- along

with numerous other characters -- Michael Cavinder has his hands full

with the sheer physical demands of the part, but delivers some juicy

comic turns.

The villains, as might be expected, are the showier roles -- and Jeff

Campbell and Jessica Hutchinson have a field day with their dastardly

doings. Campbell portrays the head shaven,Germanic menace with

teeth-gritting gusto, while Hutchinson matches her impressive talent with

considerable physical charm in comic counterpoint.

Director Shryer also has designed the multiple settings, which

underscore the outlandishness of the plot. A highlight of the show is the

climactic fencing match between McGinnis and Campbell, sending up the

familiar cinematic duels from Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone onward.

Plays such as “Bullshot Crummond” carry an inherent degree of

difficulty, since the comic interpretations must be fiercely accurate and

superbly paced. The OCC troupe overcomes this pitfall with skill and

physical energy, assisted by the creative costuming of Erik Lawrence and

Chris Buechler.

Since seating is limited, you’d be well advised to make reservations

early if you’re in need of a good laugh. You’ll find them in abundance at

OCC.

FYI

* WHAT: “Bullshot Crummond”

* WHERE: Orange Coast College Drama Lab Studio Theater, 2701 Fairview

Road, Costa Mesa

* WHEN: Closing performances 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m.Sunday

* COST: $6

* CALL: (714) 432-5640, Ext. 1