STAGE REVIEWS : OPEN FESTIVAL : Echoes of Romance in Barrie’s ‘Mary Rose’

The wistful lyricism and antique rose patina of James M. Barrie’s writing rings in the imagination long after seeing his mystical fantasy “Mary Rose,” the story of a love lost--actually--on an elusive spot of Earth in the Hebrides called “the island that likes to be visited.”

The Commonwealth Theatre’s “Mary Rose” comes close to capturing the echoes of romance that resound in Barrie’s script.

Under David Coleman’s direction, there are only a couple of missteps that distract from his generally well-charted course. Mary Rose’s fiance, Simon, wears an ill-fitting American, rather than British Navy uniform, and Mary Rose’s parents (Paul Boesing, Marcie Lynn Ross)--and their friend Mr. Amy (Kenn Long)--spend so much effort being British that they’re obviously not British.

This becomes more apparent with the arrival of said fiance and Mary Rose’s grown son, Harry, played respectively by Matt K. Miller and Lance Spellerberg, both of whom capture the flavor beautifully. Daniel Leslie also captures the Scot sound as Cameron. Best of all is Melanie MacQueen as Mary Rose, as fey and filmy a returned spirit as might be found.

At First Congregational Church, 540 S. Commonwealth Ave.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays,2:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 7. $10; (213) 385-1341.