STAGE REVIEW : A Spirited Revival of ‘Me and My Girl’

“Me and My Girl” is such a big wiseacre of a show that it risks being dismissed, especially when next to something like “Les Miserables.”

But “Me and My Girl” is a fun reminder that before musicals were really smart, they were really silly--just entertainment at a spirited song-and-dance level, with one-liners and physical pranks thrown in for leavening.

The traveling revival (it was at the Pantages last January) of the 1937 Noel Gay/L. Arthur Rose/Douglas Furber musical, now at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, is a kicky, can-do production of a goofy and unabashedly romantic show.

Sure, this theatrical whoopee cushion comes close to going too far (the creators and director Mike Ockrent never met a bad pun or a pratfall they didn’t like). Those with a more subtle humor palate may find the barrage of verbal card tricks tiresome, but even so, the overall style and energy are apt to make up for it.

A good deal of its winning ways are directly linked to Tim Curry, the animated, goggle-eyed actor who, in the role of Cockney parvenu Bill Snibson, makes his own way on the path set by Robert Lindsay. Lindsay, remember, was the on-stage force behind the original London revival and the Music Center production in 1986.

Curry is no second-fiddle replacement, though. The role presents a trove of opportunities for comic showing off--the illegitimate, penurious Snibson learns he’s actually a legitimate, wealthy earl--and Curry exploits them resourcefully. Whether leading the charge through the giddy “Lambeth Walk” or skipping through a cross-eyed history lesson with his sweetheart (Donna Bullock), he has footloose, wry charm.

Curry gets fine support from Bullock, who’s as comfortable playing a squealing, barely washed commoner as she is transforming herself (a la Eliza Doolittle) into the elegant lady of the musical’s final frames.

There really aren’t any weak spots in the cast, and “Me and My Girl’s” look is also top drawer. Martin Johns’ bright sets never scrimp on details. Ann Curtis’ colorful and impeccable costumes and Chris Ellis’ and Roger Morgan’s lighting help clarify the simple scenes and add a sensuousness to the few truly evocative moments, like the fog-draped dream-dance between Curry and Bullock.

Performances are tonight through Sunday at 8 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. , at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $16 - $36 ; (714) 556-2787.