THEATER REVIEW:

Playwright Lillian Hellman wrote “The Children’s Hour” nearly three-quarters of a century ago, and it’s rarely revived today. Yet when it does surface, its emotional power is capable of throbbing with intensity and immediacy in the proper hands.

Golden West College indeed has the proper hands for the full-throttle interpretation of this deeply dramatic revival. Director Martie Ramm has instilled rich, conflicting characterizations into this remarkable antique, and in doing so lures her audience into the tenor of Hellman’s often overly-melodramatic prose.

Staged in GWC’s tiny Stage West Theater, “The Children’s Hour” benefits from the immediacy involved as two single, female operators of a girls’ school battle the perpetrators of what was then considered a scandalous lie (the story was based on an actual incident that occurred in Scotland in 1809). A spiteful student has accused the women of being lesbian lovers, which thrusts their lives and careers into a downward spiral.

While the principals are quite accomplished, the most memorable performance comes from young Madison McPheeters as the vicious Mary Tilford, who holds both her teachers and fellow students in her thrall.Lauren King excels in the primary role of Karen Wright, the steady, conservative half of the school’s ownership, as opposed to the twitchy partner Martha Dobie, also splendidly interpreted, by Jennifer Bridge. Both respond to the accusations in manners befitting their characterizations.

While the first act belongs pretty much to the students — and McPheeters’ in particular — the adults dominate the second, which is a sort of epilogue of purple prose and shocking developments. One event in particular is so jarring that one suspects Hellman included it to beef up her weaker second act.

Jacob Lane staunchly enacts the young doctor fiance of King’s character and loses ground only in that troubling second act when artificial conflict intervenes. Kimberly Wooldridge contributes a wildly theatrical performance as a drama instructor and school parasite.

A key figure in the drama is Mary’s grandmother Amelia Tilford, who believes her granddaughter’s story to the letter. This role receives an elegant performance from Valerie Speaks, who commands the stage even though her character is aged and infirm.

Mary’s accomplice, a flighty student named Rosalie, also is quite memorable, particularly in the first act’s final showdown scene. Joslyn Meyer has some fine moments as Speaks’ maid.

Ramm’s tight direction and some sterling individual performances lend the show its immediacy. Aaron Benson’s moody setting and Susan Thomas Babb’s period costuming also contribute gainfully toward the overall effect.

For a story nearly two centuries old, “The Children’s Hour” is remarkably relevant in its gripping production at Golden West College.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “The Children’s Hour”

WHERE: Stage West Theater, Golden West College, Huntington Beach

WHEN: Closing performances tonight through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

COST: $10 - $12

CALL: (714) 895-8150

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.