Theater Review -- Tom Titus

“Papa Was a Preacher,” the latest production at Costa Mesa’s Vanguard

University, is a throwback to the sort of insignificant theatrical

trifles small town high schools used to put on a half-century or so ago

until they discovered that real, substantive theater was available. John

McGreevey’s lighthearted -- and lightweight -- memoir about growing up in

a parsonage is billed as a sentimental comedy, though there’s a good deal

more sentiment than comedy here.

Which apparently is why director Cary Curtis Smith has instilled in

his cast a sort of mission statement that if it’s overplayed broadly

enough, audiences will be too busy chuckling to realize they’re not

exactly watching “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” The astonishing thing

is that, in many aspects, the Vanguard players succeed in manufacturing

hilarity as they turn the clock back nearly a century (1909) to establish

a sort of “Life With Father” atmosphere and strike a blow for familial

solidarity in a small west Texas town.

While McGreevey’s plot may be somewhat threadbare, Smith’s

enthusiastic company of performers doesn’t seem to notice. They’re too

busy eliciting laughter at the most specious of situations, all related

to the prevailing attitude that a preacher’s kids must be shining

examples of youthful perfection.

Not that this cleric’s progeny (all six of them) are delinquents. Far

from it. But when a nosy old maid, with nothing better to do than snap

pictures of them simply being kids, is on the scene, artificial conflict

ensues, only to be properly dissipated in the end. It’s the sort of fare

best suited to church basements, but it proves entertaining enough at

Vanguard.

Christopher Tillman strikes a stolid, understanding figure as the

preacher of the title, while Misty Groseth, as his wife of 25 years,

chirps her dialogue at a high pitch, striving either for age or a Texas

accent.

Brandon Tyra, who makes his entrance as the second act opens, presents

the most normal picture as their eldest son. Brothers Rene Scheys as the

high school Romeo and Tim Larson as his awkward rival for the affections

of a town beauty (saucy Calli Adams) create an interesting triangle,

while Bethany Nelson swoons over an unseen, trumpet-playing swain. Adam

Hurst is peppy as a younger son whose photographic talents ultimately

save the day.

The most affecting of the children is the youngest, 8-year-old Lauren

Nightingale, who’s not only up to the level of the others but steals her

scenes splendidly as she quotes Shakespeare and upsets the town busybody.

Chrissy Tiholiz plays the latter role haughtily, as though she’d taken

character acting lessons from Margaret Hamilton back in 1939.

Two boy-hungry sisters (Amy Maier and Kerry Cass) pursue Scheys and

Larson quite shamelessly, also hitting some high notes more in terms of

volume than comedy. Paul Hanegan completes the cast in the dual role of a

slick bridegroom and a fellow preacher’s son.

Set designer Tim Mueller has created an authentic-looking old-timey

living room, while Dan Volonte lights it quite nicely. Director Smith and

Lia Hansen have come up with some fine period costumes that set the show

definitely just after the turn of the previous century.

“Papa Was a Preacher” is a mild blast from a far distant past, yet the

Vanguard players bring it to an almost zestful life. It’s a G-whiz-rated

comedy that’s far funnier than it should be.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Thursdays and Saturdays.

FYI

* What: “Papa Was a Preacher”

* Where: Vanguard University, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

* When: Closing performances 2 and 8 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Sunday

* Cost: $10.30

* Call: (714) 668-6145