Plain-Wrapped ‘Stuart Little’ Packed With Charm

Unlike Mark Twain, who never wrote a children’s book in his life--though a few have been simplified for that genre--E. B. White wrote specifically for children. At the same time, White’s “Charlotte’s Web” and, particularly, “Stuart Little” deal with some very adult themes and are unabashedly autobiographical.

In the case of “Stuart Little,” the mouse hero admittedly represents White himself, a small man seeking a dream, and adventure. Stuart’s journey of discovery was White’s youthful journey across America in an old Ford; his search for the flighty brown bird Margalo represents White’s rapidly diminishing crush on the girl back home.

Joseph Robinette’s dramatization of the book, at Orange Coast College, doesn’t ignore these plot points but paints the tale in coloring-book, story-theater tones plain enough for the youngest audiences. And the tight, light direction of Alex Golson, along with David Scaglione’s spare but effective production design, have a great deal of charm.

Stuart, for those who haven’t tasted the vintage wine of White’s writing, is a mouse born the second son of humans, the Frederick C. Little family of New York City. Robinette is faithful enough to leave much of White’s New Yorker magazine humor intact: “It’s very unusual for an American family to have a mouse, even in New York.”

The adventures Stuart goes through growing up, until he wanders manfully and bravely toward the north and an unknown future, are the fripperies of fantasy. He wins a boat race on a pond in Central Park. Hiding from dogs in a garbage can, he is taken out to sea in a garbage scow, only to be rescued by his love, Margalo. A brief fling with suburban society girl Harriet Ames in Connecticut (who happens to be just his size) ends disastrously. But Stuart is never daunted, and that’s White’s point. Robinette makes sure the point is made in his bare-bones version, even to the tiniest viewer.

The performances of the major characters in this large cast, also painted in broad strokes, add to the charm.

*

Trace Kirkpatrick as Stuart (alternating with Stuart Brenneman) is as bright and bouncy as Stuart should be, with a good portion of optimistic cheer as well. Tamara Hoffman and Michael Rinke as Stuart’s parents, and Todd Odenath as his officious older brother, are funny and true to White’s intent.

Melinda Villegas as the effete family cat, Amanda Helene as the flighty Margalo, and Kat Little as the coquettish Harriet, are all buoyant and add to the fun.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

* “The Adventures of Stuart Little,” Robert B. Moore Theatre, Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview St., Costa Mesa. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.; Saturday, 2 & 7 p.m. Ends Saturday. $5-$6. (714) 432-5880. Running time: 50 minutes.

Trace Kirkpatrick/Stuart Brenneman: Stuart Little

Tamara Hoffman: Mrs. Little/Ms. Swenson

Michael Rinke: Mr. Little/Storekeeper/Zeke

Todd Odenath: George/Leroy

Melinda Villegas: Snowbell

Amanda Helene: Margalo

Kat Little: Harriet Ames

An Orange Coast College Theatre Department production of Joseph Robinette’s dramatization of E. B. White’s book. Directed by Alex Golson. Technical direction/production design: David Scaglione. Costume design: Brenda Wyatt. Lighting design: Breeze Erwin. Stage manager: Jamie Sweet.