STAGE REVIEW : ‘Barnum’ Is Too Light on the Dark

A musical about great circus impresariT. Barnum might seem a natural family show: an opportunity for clowns, color and razzmatazz for the kids and, for adults, the intimate history of the master of humbug, who counted on a “sucker born every minute” and gave the public hoaxes and wonders alike.

It’s an uneasy mix, though. The musical, written by Mark Bramble with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Michael Stewart, doesn’t quite know what to make of Barnum’s dark side, so it pretty much ignores it.

This Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre production of the show at the Moulton Theatre, directed by Jody Johnston Davidson, does the same. Scot Bennett, in the lead, sings with charm and dances and walks a tightrope with dash--he doesn’t miss a note of his solo as he traverses the wire.

But his Barnum, young and thin as a whip, is too boyish. His peccadilloes, from adultery to business finagles, hardly make a ripple in anyone’s equanimity. Nor is there a sense of the passage of time during his long career.

The cluttered dialogue left many children at Saturday’s matinee restless, and awkward scene transitions didn’t help. On the plus side, Dwight Richard Odle’s costumes are appealing, particularly his astonishing variety of clown garb, and Ellis Pryce-Jones’ colorful circus set is just right.

Lisa Guzman, a tiny girl with a big voice, is irresistible as Tom Thumb, and Katy Henk has some sweet moments as Barnum’s loving wife Chairy.

The Youth Theatre has good resources and potential; last year’s “Mother Hicks” was outstanding. This time, the choice was an awkward fit.

At 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach , Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. $3-$7.50. (714) 494-8021.