THEATER : ‘Jacques Brel’ Is Alive, Well and Charming at Backstage Theatre : This production, a songfest of 23 Brel tunes, possesses such talent and style that it could be the envy of any professional company.

On the strength of just one show--the musical revue “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”--the Backstage Theatre has vaulted to the front rank of the Orange County theatrical scene.

Vaulted is a relative term, of course, and not a very difficult feat in a county with no professional theaters to speak of except for South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa and, to a lesser degree, the Grove Shakespeare Festival in Garden Grove.

The attention given scores of variable amateur troupes--chiefly community theaters, college drama departments and one or two independent groups with high aspirations--may create the impression of thriving accomplishment. But, if truth be told, these troupes get more attention than they merit.

Nevertheless, this heartfelt production of “Jacques Brel . . . “ at the Backstage through July 7 possesses such charm, talent and style that it could be the envy of any small professional company in Los Angeles, Chicago or New York. Theatergoers in this county are lucky to have it.

As directed by Al Valletta, the ensemble of four superb players--Tom Hafner, Rowanne Mark, Bil Barratt and Christy Cooke--displays a streety, continental flair that is neither too polished nor too sentimental. Their energy never flags. They bring an inviting naturalness to their performances. And they don’t try to overwhelm their songs with glib show-biz glitz.

“Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well . . . “ debuted in Greenwich Village a quarter century ago. It has been revived frequently ever since. Brel, who died in 1977 at the age of 49, was a popular Belgian troubadour of the ‘60s whose clever songs evoke a variety of moods from sentimental to satiric, bawdy to bucolic.

This version of the revue--a nonstop songfest of 23 Brel tunes--is a wonderfully intimate affair performed on a low stage against a painted backdrop of pastel pinks and blues depicting the dockside Cafe de la Fontaine and an adjacent seascape. The only props are a bench, a platform and a handful of low-tech glitter, abetted by the atmospheric orange glow of the stage lighting.

Hafner, who did the choreography, is the class of the field as a performer. He seems particularly suited to his role, delivering such affecting songs as “If You Go Away” and “Fanette” with subtle detail in the acting. His unassuming character work is a rare pleasure to watch.

Mark, who makes the most of a thin soprano, truly distinguishes herself in several numbers during the second act with “Marieke” and a mesmerizing rendition of “Carousel.” She, too, is a gifted performer who breathes real life into her role.

Cook, whose strong soprano is the best of the four voices, sings two vividly touching numbers with the ensemble, “Timid Frieda” and “Old Folks,” and a couple of emotionally persuasive solos.

Barratt, who has the look of a blond lumberjack, shines in the powerful “Amsterdam” and lends apt comic touches both to the funny “Funeral Tango” and the angry “Next.”

The performers sang to taped musical accompaniment that sounded surprisingly vibrant. They also wore lapel mikes, which seemed unnecessary at such close quarters. But even in the one instance when vocal amplification was evident, it was unobtrusive.

Now the question is: Will the Backstage Theatre remain around long enough at its isolated location in a commercial-industrial park to develop a following?

Though the 45-seat storefront venue has been the site of acting classes and career workshops for many months, Valletta and co-producer Bill McClure took many more months to mount this show, which is already closing earlier than claimed in a program note.

Only about a dozen people were in the audience Friday night. Spokesman Paddy Ryan was quick to point out that a group of another dozen had canceled its reservations at the last minute. Even so, you have to wonder whether the producers will be as eager in the future to present quality entertainment.

Ryan says they will. He maintains that the only reason the show is closing early is because some of the cast have other commitments. Hafner, for instance, is slated to appear in Saddleback College’s upcoming production of “A Chorus Line.”

Let’s hope Valletta and McClure make good on their promise of mounting a second show by the end of summer. And if it proves to be as professional and classy as their staging of “Jacques Brel,” perhaps county theatergoers will discover it and come flocking.

‘JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS’

A Backstage Theatre production. Songs by Jacques Brel. Produced by Al Valletta and Bill McClure. Directed by Valletta. With Tom Hafner, Rowanne Mark, Christy Cooke and Bil Barratt. Choreography by Hafner. Lighting by Celia Giordano and Alex Bernstein. Sound design by McClure. The Backstage Theatre is at 2691 Richter Ave., Suite 105 (off Jamboree Road south of Barranca Parkway) in Irvine. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m. Through July 7. Tickets: $12.50. Information: (714) 474-0792.