STAGE REVIEW : Funny Play Has Serious Problem : When the message is being delivered, ‘The Torchbearers’ drags. But when comedy takes center stage, the production is hilarious.

“The Torchbearers,” being presented by the Stanton Community Theatre Friday and Saturday nights through the end of the month, is a play with two goals that work against each other.

It attempts to deliver a serious message, but as a comedy. The message is not well integrated with the comedy, though; the play is divided into message-delivery scenes and funny scenes. When the message is being delivered, the play drags. But when the comedy is allowed to control things, the play is hilarious.

It tells the story of society matrons presenting plays for charity and leading the development of little theater for the community. Led by Mrs. Pampanelli, who is dedicated to the arts and given to dramatic entrances, exits and speeches, the women rehearse for a play in Act I, present the play in Act II and discuss the play afterward in Act III.

As Mrs. Pampanelli, Sheri Savage has to carry most of “The Torchbearers” (which, at more than three hours, is at least half an hour too long). Savage has the physical presence and style to be as regal and dramatic as the role requires. Unfortunately, most of the first act is simply Mrs. Pampanelli standing around and talking to the other characters. When Savage gets the opportunity in Act II to cut loose, the whole play perks up.

Swinging into full directorial splendor, Savage is tremendous; she moves across the stage and the play moves right with her. Against a terrific set designed by Peg Richardon McCune, all of the performers--particularly Michael Treat as Mrs. Pampanelli’s assistant, the sparkling, very effeminate Mr. Spindler--catch the comedic spirit. Anyone who has been in any kind of performance will recognize him or herself in these characters.

The third act, though, rambles on as the characters revert to standing around and delivering lines again, this time discussing life’s true purpose and efforts to balance duty to self against duty to others. For all that, “The Torchbearers” never really makes much of a point, and by the time the third act grinds to a close, many in the audience may have lost the enthusiasm built during Act II.

Technically, the sound is excellent, the stage is large and well-lighted, and every seat affords a clear view: Even in the back rows, the audience is close enough to feel like part of the action. There are no reserved seats, but the management will save one for you if you call ahead.

‘THE TORCHBEARERS’

A Stanton Community Theatre production of the play by George Kelly. Directed by John Craig. With Sheri Savage, Michael Treat, Franscesa Perry, Bob Shay, Nick Fahl, Scott Hassen, Kip Hogan, Lissa Mirand, Betty Campbell, Bettie Meullenberg and Tony Grande. Fridays and Saturdays through July 29 at 8 p.m. at the Stanton Cultural Arts Building, 11081 Cedar St., Stanton. Tickets: $4 and $5. (714) 828-0843.