A funny ‘Funeral’ in Huntington

Directors’ contributions to theatrical productions generally go unnoticed, since most audiences are incapable of discerning the subtle workings that often elevate the transition from the page to the stage.

No such ambiguities exist, however, in the case of the latest show at the Huntington Beach Playhouse, Peg Kehret’s comedy “Let Him Sleep Till It’s Time for His Funeral.” The director’s concept is readily apparent.

Director Carl daSilva has taken a rather innocuous comedy and presented it as a television sitcom, circa 1962, one of the last years of America’s innocence.

Cameras roll on both sides of the stage, labeled KHBP (for Huntington Beach Playhouse), and the prop people and makeup artists appear during the breaks to alter the set and touch up the actors. We hear commercials for Ajax Cleanser and Alka-Seltzer along with the soundtracks of old TV shows such as “Bonanza.”

The end result is a much more enjoyable experience than if “Funeral” were played straight, since Kehret’s script is a featherweight entity, borrowing at least a few elements of “Send Me No Flowers,” which also came out in the early ‘60s.

The central character is a rather morose, balding husband and father (Alan Curelop) about to turn 50 and bemoaning that his life is pretty much over (which must have gone over like a pregnant pole vaulter with the majority of playhouse patrons, to whom this fellow is a spry youngster).

His imaginative wife (Lynette K. Rintoul) comes up with a nifty idea -- why not put on a funeral service for her hubby so that he can see how he was appreciated in life while he’s still around to enjoy it? Naturally, things get out of hand from here when the honoree spots the funeral to-do list and their teen-age daughter (Alicia N. Trider) believes her dad really is dying.

With some comic input from the obligatory neighbor couple (Jane Nunn and John F. Briganti) and a late-show appearance by a contest coordinator (Barton D. Harlan) with a $20,000 trip to the Mayo Cinic, things get out of hand in a hurry. It’s all very silly, and occasionally quite funny.

Curelop, who can punch a punch line with the best of them, is especially convincing as the prospective guest of honor at his own funeral, while Rintout is a bright, animated stage presence. Both are overshadowed, however, by Trider’s overly dramatic daughter, given to elaborate crying jags on her exit lines.

Nunn is a warm co-conspirator, and husband Briganti (who’s left in the dark) gleefully reaches his own conclusions. Harlan’s cameo ignites the comic torch.

James W. Gruessing’s TV show set design allows audiences a backstage peek, while the overhead prompts of “Applause” and “Laughter” elicit more reaction that might be warranted. Heidi Hummel-Grant’s period costumes are particularly appealing.

“Let Him Sleep Till It’s Time for His Funeral” may not be quite in the Neil Simon or Bernard Slade mode of stage comedy, but its presentation as a TV show in the mold of “I Love Lucy” or “The Dick Van Dyke Show” certainly elevates its appeal.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: “Let Him Sleep Till It’s Time for His Funeral.”

WHO: Huntington Beach Playhouse

WHERE: Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach

WHEN: Through Nov. 13

COST: $7 to $15

CONTACT: (714) 375-0696

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.

20051103h3hei2kf(LA)20051103ipb632kn(LA)”Let Him Sleep Till It’s Time for His Funeral” plays at the Huntington Beach Playhouse through Nov. 13.