Uneven ‘Peril,’ Imaginative ‘Machine’

Out on the prairie, things are getting relevant. Small rodents have discovered solar power, recycling and psychology: they’re helping a dysfunctional condor family.

It’s “Peril on the Prairie,” the Knott’s Berry Farm musical extravaganza, all about environment-friendly prairie dogs, a romantic marmot and two odd birds.

The 30-minute show opened this week in the 2,100-seat Good Times Theatre at Knott’s and will run there several times daily.

Is it good? Yes and no.

The lavish subterranean tunnel set, with such giant recyclables as batteries, a calculator and a screwdriver, is outstanding. Set designer Tom Cluff is responsible for that.

Most of the cast is fine--Los Angeles Music Center Opera singer Scott Watanabe plays marmot Digger O’Burrows and the full-voiced Catherine Coates is his love interest and the head prairie dog.

Jeff Langley’s score has a tuneful, Broadway stage kind of musical lift; the plaintive ballad “Why Bother?” lingers in the memory. And the biggest technical wonder--a Gargantuan automated condor, with rolling eyes and an amazing wing-span--is a treat.

But there is also director-lyricist Amanda McTigue’s script. It self-destructs toward the end with an ill-conceived character that seriously diminishes what could otherwise be a dandy show.

The prairie dogs are worried about a condor egg’s precarious perch in a tree above them. (“Phantom”-like, the giant tree branch and egg loom directly over the audience.)

When the egg “hatches,” it’s not another technical marvel. It’s actor Marc Marger wearing what looks like a huge pink rubber glove and surfer shorts, and using words such as dude and gnarly . This bird is light-years away from the spirit of the show.

That spirit returns in a final reprise of the lovely “Why Bother?” hinting that there could be a terrific show hiding here.

‘Peril” isn’t the only theater for children playing at Knott’s. In the Wilderness Dance Hall, a much different show is earning heartfelt applause. Simplicity is the key.

“The Imagination Machine,” a professional troupe of four adults, performs tall tales of the Old West. With few props and a minimal set, the self-assured cast begins with a familiar story such as “Pecos Bill” and then romps into short stories chosen from among thousands written by elementary school children earlier this year.

The 25-minute show ends with a partially improvised tale, using audience suggestions. It’s comic, clever and expertly executed.

“Peril on the Prairie”: Chevrolet Geo Good Times Theatre; 2, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. daily, except Monday and Friday. “The Imagination Machine”: Wilderness Dance Hall; 12:45 p.m., 1:45 and 2:45 daily, except Friday. Both at Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 220-5200. Park admission: adults, $21.95; children, ages 3-11, $9.95; senior citizens, $14.95.