STAGE REVIEW : A Special Magic in Black Light

At the close of “A Little Like Magic” revue at Orange Coast College on Tuesday, the Famous People Players revealed how they accomplish their “black light” illusions. Everyone was smiling, but it looked demanding--three of the performers, this time fully lit, literally were stacked together as they manipulated the head, legs and arms of a gyrating, full-size caricature of Elvis.

Moments before, the troupe had boogied through “Billie Jean,” featuring an airborne Michael Jackson, moonwalking in a pair of 6-foot-tall dancing shoes, of all things. It was silly-funny but also graceful, and belied the effort each player apparently has to bring to the performance.

It’s a credit to the Canadian theater group that they pull it off so seamlessly. It’s also a credit that the Players, numbering 13 (10 with developmental disabilities), try to involve adults as much as they can.

To be sure, the troupe angles toward children. This type of black light theater--the performers work in the dark, creating surreal effects by moving under ultraviolet lamps that highlight fluorescent puppets and props--results in cartoon images naturally enthralling to children. The audience at the Players’ two shows Tuesday morning was primarily children, and most seemed captivated.

But director Diane Lynn Dupuy brought a tickling imagination to many of the skits that helped hold a parent’s interest as well. Even when the themes are limited and youthfully corny--you do see a lot of cute animal creations singing and whooping it up--there’s usually a sight gag tossed in for spice.

At their best, the Players were reminiscent of the late Jim Henson’s Muppets. That’s a high compliment, considering that this wittiest of puppeteers turned his characters into lovable satires of all things adult.

Dupuy isn’t against poking some fun at grown-ups (the presence of purple panthers nipping at a self-absorbed Tina Turner as she grinds through “Proud Mary” mocks the rock star attitude), but she and her cast are mainly into whimsy.

Like when a giant floating clam interrupted the serenity of the Saint-Saens “Aquarium” piece by gobbling up a fish that swam by. Then there was Willie Nelson serenading with “On the Road Again.” A moose showed up, and a hovering harmonica made its way into his mouth so he could play a heartfelt solo.