‘Bibbidi’ Gives Disney a Classical Twist

Delos International has followed up its clever “Heigh Ho, Mozart” album of Disney songs performed in the style of classical composers with a sequel, “Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach,” another delightful, stylish collection of Disney tunes arranged with wit and care by Donald Fraser and performed by top-flight musicians.

Fraser again gives even the most over-exposed Disney songs a highly listenable, classical twist. “Aladdin’s” “A Whole New World,” for instance, performed by the English Chamber Orchestra with Carol Rosenberger at piano, was inspired by Chopin. “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King” is perfectly reconceived as a haunting Gregorian-style chant, sung by Voices of Ascension.

The Erik Satie-inspired “Bella Notte,” from “Lady and the Tramp,” is exquisitely romantic in the hands of the Shanghai Quartet, with Eugenia Zukerman on flute, and an Aaron Coplandish “Ballad of Davy Crockett” is downright remarkable.

What a terrific way to introduce children to classical music and perk up jaded adult ears.

Available at area record stores. CD: $14.98; audiocassette: $9.98. (800) 364-0645.

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Children’s Comedy: “El Palacio Encantado (The Enchanted Palace),” a raucous children’s comedy performed mostly in Spanish at Nosotros Theatre in Hollywood, is an unpolished, uneven effort that does serve up some laughs. Writer, director and star Lizza Magnolia plays a spirited princess who tries to foil her father’s orders to marry by giving would-be suitors a supposedly impossible task: They must bring her a purple rose.

The princess’ mischief seems to consist primarily of physically tormenting the court jester (Martin Ornela), antics that play oddly because Magnolia, though petite, is a mature woman in miniskirts and spike heels, not a child. To her credit, one of her best comic moments comes when she responds with mock indignation to her father’s admonishment that she is “not 15 anymore.”

The actors’ skill level varies, and exits and entrances are choppy, but the show is weakest in its bilingual attempts. The scattering of English words are awkwardly inserted into fast-moving Spanish dialogue, interrupting the pace.

* “El Palacio Encantado,” Nosotros Theatre, 1314 N. Wilton Place, Friday-Saturday, 7 and 9 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 4 p.m. Ends Sunday. $3-$6; (213) 913-5885. Running time: 1 hour.

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Young Playwrights Alert: It’s time again for writers ages 19 or younger to submit their playwriting efforts to the Blank Theatre Company’s “Fourth Annual Young Playwrights Festival.” The deadline is April 17. Winning plays will be professionally staged and performed in public workshop productions in June. Some winners will be included in the theater’s “Young Playwrights Mainstage ‘96” event.

Plays can be any length and on any subject. They must be legible and must include a cover sheet with the play’s title, playwright’s name, date of birth, school (if any), home address and home phone number. Manuscripts will not be returned, so don’t send originals. The submissions must be postmarked no later than April 17. Mail to the Blank Theatre Company, Young Playwrights Festival, 1301 Lucile Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90026. Information: (213) 661-3903.