CHILDREN’S THEATER REVIEW : ‘Snow White’ Mesmerizes as Costumes Take Center Stage

A little moonlit enchantment, a few special touches, some comic surprises (intentional and otherwise) and generous community warmth highlight Irvine Valley Theatrefaire’s outdoor “Snow White” at Irvine Valley College.

Visually, the show is often a treat. The costumes are more likely to be applauded than the actors--professionalism shows most clearly in production values. But despite varying degrees of experience, the non-professional cast is surprisingly even. Director Blake Gould rarely allows the jaunty tempo to flag.

In the campus quad area, Wally Huntoon’s curving fairy-tale set hugs the audience. A somewhat pallid stone castle interior revolves to become the dwarfs’ cartoonish cottage, while to the side, artificial and real trees blend together, framing a slanted woodsy path.

The darkness of evening makes Bill Liotta’s ghoulish green and red lighting even spookier. Weather can contribute, too: On opening night, as the evil Queen (Victoria Roth) threatened to starve the Royal Huntsman’s children to death, a sudden, hair-ruffling wind sprang up as if on cue.

Jessie Badham-White’s adaptation has obviously looked for the story’s dark folk-tale roots. But, even without talking animals and musical numbers, there are still strong hints of Disney. It wasn’t surprising when a little boy in the audience began his own version of “Hi Ho, Hi Ho”--the Snow White-dwarf byplay is familiar.

Debbie Hayes, with husband Kim Hayes, has designed seven delightfully eccentric masks. Yoda from “Star Wars” might come to mind, as do inevitable comparisons to Disney’s creations, but there is a strong dash of original artistry at work here as well.

Young actors Britton Hill, Jeff Wilson, June Tomizawee, Matthew Tague, Chaon Cross, Marc Raskulinecz and Lisa Binder assume their distinct dwarf personalities with relish. Even a fuzzy microphone and some overly indulgent stage business didn’t mar their audience appeal.

The Hayes’ magic-mirror design--a squat, sour-faced little gargoyle with lips and eyes that move--is another pleasure.

Mary Ann Griego’s costumes are just right. Among the cast, Deborah Harrington’s Snow White is amply sweet--and Roth, properly wicked as queen, is humorous when coquetting handsome Prince Florimond (Robert Townsend, fittingly cast). Buzz Tryon garners smiles with his comically pompous Sir Dandiprat Bombas.

“Snow White” continues through Sunday at 8 p.m. at Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. Tickets: $5 and $6. Information: (714) 559-3365.