STAGE REVIEW : ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ Spins a Bawdy Two-Hour Tale

Bawdy, naughty and low-brow, “Rumpelstiltskin” at Theatre Exchange is two hours of “parental guidance strongly advised” entertainment--and it’s a kick.

If you frown at Benny Hill, you’d better stay away. Done in British “panto” style--a combination of fairy tale, burlesque and music hall--this musical “Rumpelstiltskin” is anatomical, scatological and downright outrageous.

Before you decide there’s nothing in it for Junior or Aunt Tillie, be advised that the show also features a fine cast and is well sung, cleverly staged and beautifully costumed; you really do get the classic fairy tale from start to finish.

Grettle the Goose Girl magically spins flax into gold, promises her first-born to the strange gnome who aids her and marries the prince. Eventually they all live happily ever after.

It’s just that there’s this fellow in drag, another fellow who’s half-man, half-woman, and the halves are in love with each other. . . .

The fellow in drag is B. J. Turner, the fulcrum for all this nonsense. He plays Mother Hubbard as an old bawd, interrupting the action to flirt and joke and to twit the audience, musicians and actors. It could get tiresome, but Turner--who also directs--doesn’t let it. He gives the rest of the cast equal time.

Steve Apostolina, in green-face and string wig, shines as evil gnome Rumpelstiltskin. Terry Steinhauer is Mother Hubbard’s daughter, a deliberately dainty, winsome and wide-eyed Grettle. Richard Shea delightfully plays Rosamund/Alan; his finest moment is singing “People Will Say We’re in Love” as a duet--with himself. (Peter Mins, who designed the sumptuous fairy-tale costumes, outdid himself here.)

Steve Cassling is a stand-out as Prince Roland. His romantic story-book looks are matched by a strong stage presence. He engagingly plays it straight for the most part, seemingly oblivious to the eccentricities of his court, a perfect foil for all the nonsense.

Not all the jokes work--the topical humor is weakest and some of the ruder lines don’t sparkle. The slowest moments occur when Baron Bludshot (Dan Covey) and his twin henchmen (Mins and David Allyn) are alone on stage plotting against the prince. After bad guy Rumpelstiltskin, the other villains are just a long sight gag.

But Turner is very obviously in control here. No one goes too far. Any line that dies, dies quickly with a humorous, brief obituary and the plot progresses evenly.

It may not be high-class, but it’s a rousing good time.

Performances continue at 11855 Hart St., North Hollywood, Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$12.50. (818) 782-3140.