1995 YEAR IN REVIEW : CORINNE FLOCKEN’S FAVORITE YOUTH THEATER PRODUCTIONS

In chronological order:

* “Aesop’s Fables: Rags, Ropes & Sticks,” Alternative Repertory Theatre, March. Smart, stimulating and wholly entertaining, Diane Doyle’s adaptation was a gem, especially for older children and adults. Director Patricia Terry’s spare but polished production set it off beautifully; Tasha Witkin as the archeologist-storyteller was thoroughly engaging.

* “Wizard of Wonderland,” Broadway on Tour, May. The first show BOT produced in its new role as the Grove Theater Center’s resident kid’s theater, this show was a real crowd-pleaser. It was shot through with campy humor and double-entendres for the older crowd but boasted comfortably familiar characters and situations for youngsters. Joel South’s Mad Hatter was a scream.

* “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales,” South Coast Repertory Young Conservatory Players, June. Adapted from Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith’s collection of twisted fairy tales, John Glore’s adaptation (as far as we know, the only one sanctioned by the authors so far) and Craig Fleming’s direction were wonders to behold. Seamless, witty and delivered with the right amount of Monty Python-esque touches by a very capable young cast.

* “Rumpelstiltskin,” Saddleback College Summer Theatre, July. Director Joe Lauderdale (also artistic director of Laguna Playhouse’s Youth Theater) exhibited his usual knack for involving young audiences without pandering to them. In its outdoor, Renaissance Faire-style setting, this show was fast-paced and sassy, with some surprising flashes of sophistication.

* “Tom Sawyer,” Newport Theatre Arts Center, August. Crisp and tasty as a ripe apple swiped from a tree and featuring an extremely polished young cast, this adaptation did Mark Twain’s novel proud and was refreshingly free of any of the politically correct additives so common in youth-theater adaptations of literary classics.

* “Little Women,” San Clemente Community Theatre, Cabrillo Playhouse, November. Another delightful retelling of a classic story, this cozy staging had everything going for it: Marian De Forest’s adaptation retained the best-loved aspects of the story without going into extra innings, Ron Lance’s lovely period setting (enhanced by the intimacy of the tiny Cabrillo) and animated performances by the key characters (especially Karen Smith’s Jo) that ripened nicely as the characters aged.

* “Jack and the Beanstalk (A Clown’s Play),” Paper Bag Players, Rancho Canada School auditorium, November. This audience-participation take on the famous fairy tale had its rough spots, but was a prime example of what this fledgling company does best, which is sparking kids’ interest in live theater at a tender age.