THEATER REVIEW:’Posada’ has been a magical journey

You’d think that after 13 years, the Christmas message of “La Posada Magica” might begin to fade into a sea of stereotypical theater. You’d think it, but you’d be wrong.

Octavio Solis’ Latinized holiday saga, first presented in 1994 at South Coast Repertory and written especially for the Costa Mesa theater, has been a stirring companion piece to South Coast Repertory’s venerable “A Christmas Carol,” now enjoying its 27th incarnation. Even if you don’t habla Español (I don’t), you’ll be captivated by the potpourri of comedy, terror and tradition it offers.

“La Posada Magica,” in English “The Magical Journey,” celebrates the Mexican tradition of posadas or re-creations of the travails of the biblical Joseph and Mary in their search for an inn in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.

Solis — who also directs the production — has fine tuned it over the past few years, implementing more technical bells and whistles, but retaining the crucial core of his story about a modern posada that takes a “Twilight Zone”-like detour.

The annual event reunites several longtime cast members, with petite Tiffany Ellen Solano taking her eighth turn as the teenage Gracie, whose Christmas spirit has been snuffed by the death of her infant brother and who sets out to sabotage the procession. The ageless Solano, who also possesses a supreme singing voice, again delivers a wrenching and ultimately heartwarming performance.

The dean of the “La Posada” returnees, however, is the comically lustrous Denise Blazor, back for her 11th appearance as one of the chocoholic marchers. She teams with Teresa Velarde, who originated the role of Mom/Mariluz back in 1994 and is a spirited companion.

Sol Castillo, in his seventh portrayal of Refugio, the high-voltage marcher with dreams of Vegas-style stardom, once again tears up the stage in his “Lovin’ Santa” solo and doubles with Kevin Sifuentes (who also enacts the befuddled security guard) as a pair of underground (literally) figures with a treacherous agenda.

Returning for his fifth appearance as Horacio, El Jefe of the procession, Miguel Najera provides the show’s spiritual leadership as well, skillfully narrating Solis’ tangled tale. Danny Bolero and Erica Ortega are impressive as the married couple whose search for a nativity scene proves to be quite realistic.

Musical director Marcos Loya combines with Lorenzo Martinez and, on occasion, Castillo, to provide the tuneful accompaniment — they’ve been around “La Posada” since Day One and work particularly smoothly.

If you haven’t experienced “La Posada Magica” in the first dozen years it’s been presented, this edition would be an ideal starting point. You don’t have to be fluent in Spanish — though it does help — to appreciate the universal message of the show.

WHAT: “La Posada Magica”

WHERE: South Coast Repertory Julianne Argyros Theater

WHEN: Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:45 p.m. (except Dec. 13 & 14), Saturdays at 3 & 7:45 p.m., Sundays at 12:30 & 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 23

COST: $14 to $38

CALL: (714) 708-5555

IF YOU GO