O.C. THEATER REVIEW : A Simpler Path ‘Into the Woods’

Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” has problems. Book writer James Lapine created an interesting first act but (as he also did for Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park With George”) left his second act in theatrical doldrums.

At the Huntington Beach Playhouse, director Kysa Cohen has been able to remedy the situation somewhat by reducing the size of her staging. Sometimes less is better, and this is a perfect example.

What Cohen can’t alter is the odd lack of melody in most of Sondheim’s score for “Into the Woods.” Almost three hours of recitative can be numbing.

But Cohen has cast the show with performers who, across the board, are likable and energetic. Some aren’t always up to thedifficult, repetitive vocal lines,but most do just fine, and, in a final analysis, their distinctive characterizations make the show almost work.

Jason Wood is a funny, bumbling galoot of a Jack. His adoration of his cow, Milky White, is a little gem of misguided juvenile passion. Russell Montooth’s Narrator is standard fare, but his Mysterious Man, hirsute and bent, has some very good moments. Aileen-Marie Scott’s Witch starts out generic but becomes individual, with a rich characterization and a brassy, effective vocal style, particularly apt for “Last Midnight.”

Crystal Barron’s voice might not be as strong as it should be for Cinderella, but she has style, both vocally and performance-wise, especially during Cinderella’s (illogical as written) personality changes in Act II.

Both princes also are notable, David Kirk Grant as Cinderella’s Prince and Rob Terrazas as Rapunzel’s Prince. Grant’s royal ego and Terrazas’ slight dimness are on target, but neither gives as much pizazz as he might to their very funny “Agony,” in spite of their big voices and ability to move well.

In a large cast, Gregory Cohen’s Baker has some funny moments with eccentric line-readings, and young Andrea Procter as Red mugs delicately and hilariously, with expertise beyond her years. The best voice and the most solid performance come from Michelle Revesz as the Baker’s Wife. Revesz has a subtle comic flair that can blossom at the most unexpected moments and catches every nuance in her role.

Director Cohen’s choreography works, but she might have boosted the energy level a bit all the way through, particularly in her musical direction, which is often sluggish. She has a workable scenic design, by Terri Verhaegen and John Nokes, which again proves that good things can come in small packages.

* “Into the Woods,” Huntington Beach Playhouse, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach. Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Ends July 9. $13. (714) 375-0696. Running time: 2 hours, 50 minutes.

Russell Montooth: Narrator/Mysterious Man

Crystal Barron: Cinderella

Jason Wood:Jack

Gregory Cohen: Baker

Micelle Revesz: Baker’s Wife

Andrea Procter: Little Red Ridinghood

Aileen-Marie Scott: Witch

David Kirk Grant: Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince

Rob Terrazas: Rapunzel’s Prince

A Huntington Beach Playhouse production of a musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, produced by Laura Bossis and Patricia Powers. Direction/musical direction/choreography: Kysa Cohen. Scenic design: Terri Verhaegen and John Nokes. Costume design: Lorraine Partridge and Joan Mekler. Lighting design: Terri Verhaegen. Stage manager: Terri Collins.

* SHARPSHOOTERS

Orange Coast College targets Sondheim’s “Assassins.” F2