CHILDREN’S THEATER : The ‘Face’ of Racial Harmony

A play promoting racial harmony is certainly timely, so the Los Angeles Repertory Theatre’s decision to revive “Face 2 Face,” a 50-minute musical with the theme “appreciate our similarities and respect our differences” makes sense.

But this 1991 show for children, written for South Coast Repertory’s Educational Touring program by respected playwright Richard Hellesen (“Once in Arden, “Moonshadow”) and accomplished veteran stage and Disney composer-lyricist Michael Silversher, is not as effective as it should be.

Staged by Peter Ellenstein on the floor of the cavernous Veterans Memorial facility Auditorium in Culver City, the play is about a boy named Benno (Charles Reese) and his odyssey through self-doubt to self-realization. Rejected by his peers for looking different, Benno at first tries to be just like other people, but learns that “the cool thing is to get to know each other.”

That message is heavily delivered by the four adult actors who can sing, but give forced portrayals of children and seem uncomfortable interacting with the audience.

Janet Eilber’s choreography is unmemorable; inventive commedia del arte-style masks by Beckie Kravitz and Robert Beuth and wildly sculpted, neon-colored wigs by costume/set designer Alicia MacCarone supply visual interest.

* “Face 2 Face,” Veterans Memorial Building Auditorium, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, Saturdays at 1 p.m. through April 23. $5; (213) 466-1767.