THEATER REVIEW : ‘Ballerina’ Is Winsome Musical for Kids

There’s something about kids and anthropomorphic mice. . . .

The Serendipity Theatre Co.’s 1991 production of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” based on Laura Joffe Numeroff’s children’s book about a mischievous little boy mouse, wasn’t its best show, but it was a box-office smash.

The company’s current musical production of “Angelina Ballerina,” adapted by J.D. Jordan from Katharine Holabird’s book about a little girl mouse who dances, began selling out so quickly that an extension was announced before the show opened last week.

This is not the company’s best work, either; it has a more home-grown, community-theater feel than some past shows. It is frequently winsome, however, the several child actors--there are only three adult Equity members in the cast--are self-possessed and stage-smart and the music is generally a cut above average.

In addition, there are enough tutus, ribbons, pas de bourrees and releves to satisfy budding ballerinas in the audience, and the show’s standout moment is a genuine heartstring tugger:

When Angelina (Lauren Fishman) is sad that her irrepressible dancing feet have caused chaos in the house, Dad (Denys Gawronski) comes to her room to announce that he and her mother (Lyndie Robb) have decided she shall have ballet lessons with Miss Lilly (given a sometimes frenetic reading by performance artist Joyce Guy).

Gawronski delivers a mellow-voiced rendition of composer-lyricist Terry Hastings’ best song, “Anyone Can Dream.” As Angelina is comforted and Fishman’s sweet soprano joins in, the tender affection shown between father and daughter deepens the proceedings.

The crowd-pleaser are the ballet school’s rehearsal--although some young cast members have trouble making themselves understood--as well as the subsequent performance of the “Flower Fairy” ballet. The latter is presented before the Princess of Mouseland (Britta von Detten, who doubles elegantly as prima ballerina Madame Zizi, en pointe , in dream sequences). The dancers, choreographed by Katy Henk, acquit themselves prettily, with youthful aplomb.

The show is competently directed by Scott Davidson (Serendipity’s artistic director), and given a soft watercolor storybook look by Ellis Pryce-Jones to approximate “Angelina” book illustrator Helen Craig’s work, complemented by Ken Realista’s lighting. The cast’s faces peer out from the center of simple, pillowy mouse heads designed by Jim Houle, a somewhat disconcerting effect when the head is slightly skewed. Mark Conley’s sound design is crisp and clear.

* “Angelina Ballerina,” Coronet Theatre, 366 N. La Cienega Ave., Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1 and 4 p.m. through Aug. 1. $12, $6 for ages 13 and younger; (310) 652-9199.