It Won’t Take a ‘Sleuth’ to Find Variety on Stage

As Christmas nears, local theatrical companies are putting up plays faster than any normal human--even a theater-loving one--can be expected to keep up with. Fortunately, there’s a lot of variety.

“Sleuth” in Camarillo: The Marquie Dinner Theater’s current production is Anthony Shaffer’s suspense-filled “Sleuth,” directed with assurance by Gary Romm. Darren Raleigh stars as a famous detective novelist and Martin Horsey as the younger and poorer Milo, who’s been having an affair with the writer’s wife. The novelist likes nothing more than games and he’s found his match in Milo. A series of gambits ensues that should keep the audience guessing.

The Pasadena Playhouse is putting on the same intricate, witty play these days. Their makeup might be more convincing, but it’s unlikely that the acting is any better. And the Pasadena Playhouse doesn’t serve dinner.

* “Sleuth” continues Thursday-Saturday through Nov. 23 at the Marquie Dinner Theater, 340 N. Mobil Ave., Camarillo. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner; performance begins at 8:30 p.m. $30 for show and buffet. Reservations needed. Call 484-9909.

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Old West at Melodrama: The Moorpark Melodrama is bringing its season to a close with “High Noonish,” a parody of the classic western movie “High Noon,” written for the group and directed by Scott Martin. Bob Ellstrom stars as Marshal Hap Hazard, forced to face down the notorious Tex Shooter (Chris Carnicelli). There’s a good John Wayne joke, a double-barreled rabbit joke, and lots of singing and dancing choreographed by Adrea Gibbs. Featured players include Jana Rains Austinson as a dance-hall girl (or something); Jerry Machado as a cowpoke; Cristina Callahan as the marshal’s wife; Lorraine MacDonald as the scene-setting balladeer; and Kathi Janca Gravino as the mayor of Yellow Streak, whose gravelly voice will remind some old-timers of Marie Dressler. Stick around for the post-show “vaudeville,” a brief but tuneful revue of pop, western and country songs with a cowboy theme.

* “High Noonish” at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 17 at the Magnificent Moorpark Melodrama & Vaudeville Company, 45 E. High St. in Moorpark. $9.50-$12. Call for information about Thursday performances. On Oct. 31, the show begins at 7 p.m. and all seats are $8 with a prize for best costume. Call 529-1212.

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Princess-1, Pea-0: If the Melodrama troupe was to do conventional book musicals, “Once Upon a Mattress” would be just their kind of show. A farcical retelling of “The Princess and the Pea” was originally written as an adult summer camp show. An expanded version found its way to Broadway--introducing Carol Burnett--in 1959. A current version is being produced by Simi Valley’s Actors Repertory Youth Ensemble, whose oldest member is 22. Most are high school age or younger (and none of them pay to participate).

The play, written by Mary Rodgers, Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson and Dean Fuller, works well with a youthful cast. Rebekah Pearson leads the group as the pretty but extremely silly princess, though she was holding back a bit at Sunday’s matinee. Since nobody could out-overplay the queen (the wonderful Nicole Bull), Pearson might as well go all-out daffy in the Burnett style.

Also featured are Anthony Moresi as the well-meaning but naive Princess Dauntless (with an amazing collection of silly hats); Jarrod Madrigal as King Sextimus the Silent (Harpo Marx with a crown); Chris Vasquez and Robin Bologna as lovers Sir Harry and Lady Larken; Mindy Mittleman as the jester; and Alan Glasband as the scene-setting minstrel. The show, and most notably the colorful costumes, look especially good. Jan Glasband (Alan’s aunt) directed the large company, with Gary Poirot the musical director and onstage pianist.

* “Once Upon a Mattress” at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 27 at the Court Theater, 3190 Cochran St., Simi Valley. $5-$8. Call 581-9940.

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Casting Call: The Ojai Civic Light Opera continues auditions for “My Fair Lady” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Mira Monte Elementary School, 1216 Loma Drive in Ojai. Singing actors ages 18-75 should call 646-1899 to schedule an audition appointment. And prepare to work fast: Performances begin Nov. 29 at Ventura College.

The Santa Paula Theater Center will hold auditions for its Christmas show, a staging of Charles Dickens’ “Cricket on the Hearth,” at the center’s headquarters, 125 S. 7th St., Saturday afternoon and Monday evening. Fred Helsel is the director. Call 525-4645 for an audition appointment.