STAGE REVIEW : ‘Drunkard’ Too Sobering for Words

Why anyone would want to see “The Drunkard, or The Fallen Saved”--let alone produce it--has to be one of the peculiar mysteries of American theater.

That it was a propaganda success in Boston, when first staged as part of an 1844 temperance crusade, is somewhat understandable. That a 1933 revival in Los Angeles ran for 20 years and 7,510 performances--a record exceeded only by “The Fantasticks” in New York--is absolutely mind-boggling.

In any case, the current production of “The Drunkard” at the L.P.R. Dinner Theatre in Tustin is too sobering for words. Whatever appeal this 145-year-old piece of claptrap may have had during its long and apparently illustrious history is lost on this reviewer.

If W.H. Smith’s piously sentimental play belongs anywhere outside a prohibitionist campaign, surely it is in some theatrical museum as a reminder of how bad stage fare once was and yet satisfied popular taste.

At the close of the 1980s, the best you can do with an antiquated melodrama about a young man who enters a bar, takes a drink and comes out an alcoholic--thus reducing his family to destitution--is to play it strictly for laughs. Even then you’re likely to end up with little more than a sketch that Red Skelton probably did a hundred times over on television.

But to play “The Drunkard” for quaintness, which is what happens in this production, is to be trapped by the dead hand of the past. You get dubious entertainment that on its own overwrought terms seems hopelessly outdated. And while the troupe does manage to wring occasional laughs from some of the outlandish caricatures, they’re not worth the dull stretches of dastard villainy and injured innocence that cradle them.

The large cast, which gamely tries to evoke an archaic acting style reminiscent of silent movies, is very uneven. Ana J. Hill, who plays the faithful wife and heroine, gives the most consistent performance. Don Barrett, in a small role, is the most authoritative. Unfortunately, Lou Esposito is miscast as the hero.

The production values have a certain shoestring charm. The sets are minimal, with backdrops painted on white sheets strung across a rear wall. The costumes are more elaborate and detailed. However, the musical accompaniment is provided on an out-of-tune piano. No charm there.

The L.P.R. Dinner Theatre has been struggling to stay alive now for the past year. Would it matter to anyone except the management, the actors and the landlord, if this theater operation were to go under? Probably not.

On opening night for “The Drunkard” last week, there were 13 people in the audience. Not all of them were paying customers. Chances are that if L.P.R. presents any more shows like this one, there will be even fewer customers in the future.

‘THE DRUNKARD, OR THE FALLEN SAVED’

An L.P. Repertory Company production of a play by W.H. Smith. Directed by William J. Durkin. With Carol Albright, Ana J. Hill, Merle Nicks, Lou Esposito, Ann Walker, William J. Durkin, Irene Pena, Carla Jones, Lance Veney Schober, Ralph Pitt, Tiffany Reaves, Don Barrett, Stephen Glennon. Scenic artist Timothy P. Thorn. Set and lighting by William J. Durkin. Costumes by Trisha Burson. Lighting technician Heather Wierman. Spot operator Warren Nix. Pianist Paul Favour.

“The Drunkard” continues through Jan. 21 at the L.P.R. Dinner Theatre, 15732 D Tustin Village Way, Tustin. Doors open Thursdays to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. for dinner with performance at 8:15 p.m.; doors open Sundays at 12:30 p.m. with performance at 2:15 p.m. Tickets: $18 to $25. (714) 835-9611.