Cast Supplies Special Effects in 'Bedraggled Dragon' : Fairy tale delights children both on stage and off. Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse production continues through the weekend.

Cast Supplies Special Effects in ‘Bedraggled Dragon’ : Fairy tale delights children both on stage and off. Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse production continues through the weekend.

By M.E. WARREN

Jan. 18, 1991 12 AM PT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

COSTA MESA —

“The Bedraggled Dragon,” presented by the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse Youth Theater, is a one-hour journey through a fabulous fairy-tale world, from the fiery depths of a volcano to the Milky Way. And although plenty of smoke, bubbles and tinsel are on hand, the real special effects are supplied by the enthusiastic cast of 39 children.

The script, adapted by director Vicki Groskreutz from the play by Pati Tambellini and Marthella Randall, includes several sprightly musical numbers by Anita Grossman. All are sung with confidence, backed up by the one-man orchestra pit of Kevin Weed, who doubles as the sound-effects man.

All the performers are to be complimented on their enunciation and their showmanship.

Some of the script is in verse, but, no matter. Lines were audible, faces were visible, and that’s more than many grown-up productions can boast. George Algie as the dragon was an audience favorite, as was Adam Ereth, whose diminutive panache was irresistible.

This reviewer’s favorites included Jennifer Groskreutz as the villainous sorceress; Justin Valvoord and Katie Bourgeois as the adventuring prince and princess; Jennifer Kettley as PomPom, the prime minister; Andrea Bosley as the hotheaded Blazes, and Heidi Groskreutz as a Pinkerton courtier.

The picture-book costumes are very colorful, the simple sets sufficient to evoke the many and varied scenes. The children seem to be enjoying themselves on both sides of the curtain.

Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse Youth Theater’s production of “The Bedraggled Dragon,” by Pati Tambellini and Marthella Randall. Adapted and directed by Vicki Groskreutz, music and lyrics by Anita Grossman, musical direction by Kevin Weed. Continues tonight at 7:30, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the playhouse, 661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa. Tickets: $3. Box office open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: (714) 650-5269.