THEATER REVIEW:A ‘Wild’ time at the civic playhouse

Remember when King Kong gave Faye Wray a great big hand? Well, so do a lot of people, notably Michael Dale Brown, director of the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse’s latest production, “The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wild.”

Brown is a bit of a movie nut, with all sorts of Tinseltown trivia stored in his garage — which came in quite handy when he elected to revive Paul Zindel’s goofy tribute to movie nuts everywhere. Especially when concerning the aforementioned ape.

Even at his most serious (“The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds,” “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little”), Zindel possesses a biting sense of humor. In the case of “Mildred Wild,” laughter is the principal ingredient with just a touch of poignancy tossed in on occasion, though it’s often difficult to ascertain where reality leaves off and fantasy begins.

Mildred Wild is a candy store operator’s repressed wife, who is prone to flights of fancy involving her cinematic crushes. As the bulldozers close in on the candy shop, emotional earth movers seem to be aiming the wrecking ball at Mildred’s future.

At the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse, Tara Henry delivers a remarkable performance in the title role, balancing her sinking marriage with an adoration of all things cinematic. Henry is especially vibrant in the elaborately staged fantasy scenes opposite such forces of nature as Rhett Butler, Tarzan and the aforementioned King Kong.

Marc Montminy enacts her petulant husband, a low-key candy maker clinging to a curly wig to mask his baldness. Montminy’s character also is somewhat repressed and comes to life only under the persistent prodding of neighborhood tramp Gloria (a rollicking portrayal by Stephanie Thomas).

Ryan Holihan heads the fantasy department, appearing in an assortment of characterizations from Carmen Miranda to Tarzan. Gloria Ware bullies her way through the part of Montminy’s surly sister.

A ditzy nun introduced along with a somewhat silly subplot is nicely presented by Kathleen Gray. Dalena Reyes Mitchell, Kelly Beld and Barbara Duncan Brown complete the cast in a wide variety of assignments.

Set designers Steve and Kathy Endicott have created a monument to creative clutter with their poster-bedecked apartment. Steve Endicott also designed the lighting and can take credit for the “special guest star’s” appearance.

“The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wild” is a charmingly kooky comedy from a playwright known chiefly for his acerbic and serious prose. It’s a must for the movie fanatic.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: “The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wild”

WHERE: Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse, 611 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa

WHEN: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 18

COST: $15 to $18

CALL: (949) 650-5269