Child’s play for adults too

Why was it vital that Little Red wore a riding hood instead of a pair of running shorts? While you’re considering that little quandary, what if no one really cared what Rumpelstiltskin called himself? And, most important, what if the lonely old lady who created the nasty little Gingerbread Man had decided to make him out of extraordinarily malodorous cheese?

The delightful answers to these questions can be found in South Coast Repertory’s children’s theater production of “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales,” now playing on the Julianne Argyros Stage. Perfect for children, as well as parents who love to see their children laughing and having fun, “Stinky Cheese Man” creatively mangles the world’s most beloved fairy tales and then adds equal parts of frenetic energy, humorous music, audience participation ? and a dash of bathroom humor to produce a performance full of fun for kids of all ages.

The evening is led by John Cabrera as Jack, the narrator. In an approachable style that endears him to his young audience, Cabrera introduces us to the concept of the broken fairy tale and guides us through each one with a constant, rubber-faced infusion of energy.

Behind Jack is a multitalented group of thespians who capture the funny bone of every child in the audience. Each actor plays enough roles to confuse a psychiatrist, and each one switches roles cleanly and effortlessly.

Larry Bates, for example, sets the mood as the Cow Patty Boy, the scatological alter ego of the Boy who Cried Wolf. But his later roles provide a variety of levels, including the title role of the unpleasant man of cheese. Bates is the most magnetic member of the cast, and his young patrons thoroughly enjoy his efforts.

Jennifer Chu revels in her multiple roles, playing Chicken Little, Little Red Running Shorts, and others. Chu is a ball of energy, bouncing around the stage in her multiple guises and effectively bringing the joy and humor out of each of her characters.

Michael Faulkner and Kevin Sifuentes likewise add a strong presence to their characters. Faulkner is particularly enjoyable in his funny, yet somewhat pathos-ridden turn on the stage as the Ugly Duckling. The other Ugly Duckling, that is. The one that stays ugly.

Sifuentes, playing more human characters, brings a dose of realism to the show. His characters, including the bearded Surgeon General and the fast-talking Legal Guy, seem to represent the adults of the world ? you know, those of us who take life a little too seriously. You can probably guess what happens (or doesn’t happen) to this Frog Prince when he’s kissed by the beautiful princess.

Allison Case and Jodee Thelen bring their own brands of fun to the stage. Case provides unity between stories in her eager-to-please, roller skating Little Old Lady role. Each of these actresses is clearly cut out for the demands of children’s theater as they combine vigor, innocence and the ability to create larger-than-life characters who appeal to young audiences.

Tying the show together is a series of intentionally silly and over-the-top musical numbers. The dances to these numbers are choreographed by director Anne Justine D’Zmura to satirize the “takes-itself-way-too-seriously” nature of adult theater, while capitalizing on the somewhat obvious connections between the show’s title and the less than pleasant odors of certain bodily functions. All of this is an absolute joy to the kids in the audience, which makes it appeal to the adults as well.

“Stinky Cheese Man” is pure fun. It is rare that children and their parents can sit and laugh together. But these moments are crucial elements to parenting because laughing with your children brings you closer to them.

“Stinky Cheese Man” is an opportunity to let go of your inhibitions and share a few hours of joy with the most cherished people in your life. Plus, you’ll enjoy it as much as they do.

Take a break from parking the kids in front of yet another Disney DVD. I promise you won’t regret it. You’ve seen “Finding Nemo” 1,000 times anyway.