STAGE REVIEW : ‘Coconuts’ Saved by Its Setting

The best thing about “Coconuts and Suicide” at Kelbo’s tropical habitat is its tattered kitsch. The production is a ringer for (a) any seedy act at the old, lamented Queen’s Surf nightclub on Waikiki beach, (b) vintage Hollywood “B” comedies about characters washed ashore in paradise and (c) “Gilligan’s Island” as a musical with a social conscience.

Subtitled “The Limbo Musical,” the production is salvaged by its rum-and-Coke, cabaret setting in the Coco Bowl Room of jungly Kelbo’s restaurant in West Los Angeles. It would never work anywhere else except maybe in a watering hole run by Don Ho.

The worst thing about the show is its plot: the discovery by a pair of shipwrecked “Eye on Sacramento” reporters of a resort for people with the money and malaise to commit suicide. The nervy attempt to even imply topical social commentary is enough to sour your mai tai.

But it’s difficult to get too worked up over the imperfections in this show. Can an aloha shirt be too loud? Knocking “Coconuts and Suicide” is like rapping L.A.’s historic chestnut, “The Drunkard,” for its melodrama.

However, if the producers (including movie-maker Thom Mount) are serious about sticking around for awhile, they should recast the few uneven and unattractive choices in the 12-member company. Also they should rethink the whole suicide premise in Stephen Fischer’s book (can “The Jonestown Follies” be far behind?). And the most irrepressible, natural and genuine performer, Coati Mundi (who also did the vocal arrangements), is clearly the show’s star talent but he’s in only two of the 16 numbers.

Sightlines are not the greatest either, especially if the people in the front row have broad backs. There’s a claustrophobic air to the room. But this is Kelbo’s maiden launch into theater, and the idea of a sarong-garbed musical is fresh and promising.

Director-choreographer Bill Castellino is served with particular style by Mitch Kreindel’s unctuous, crafty Dr. Moi.

At 11434 W. Pico Blvd., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 8 p.m., indefinitely. Tickets: $17.50. (213) 934-8142.