Tropical, sweet ‘Thumbelina’

Hans Christian Andersen’s rather haunting fairy tale classic “Thumbelina” is given a sunny island makeover at the Falcon Theatre, where the thumb-sized girl has grown up to be normal-sized -- if petite -- with a penchant for gardening.

A misunderstanding sets the diminutive heroine (played by perky Natalie Lander) on a hurried search for a husband because she thinks a potential employer prefers married employees. Her rejects include a surfing frog (Tedd Szeto), a muscle-bound monkey (Matt Merchant) and a dancing flamingo (Szeto again).

The rest of the character lineup in Lori Marshall and Joseph Leo Bwarie’s new musical includes a helpful, romantic-minded fairy named Sandy Shores (balletic Melissa Lyons); Thumbelina’s dizzy wedding-planner adoptive mom, Lady Lovington (deft Karen Whipple); and the boss’ son, a hunky fellow gardener (Merchant again).

Grown-ups will enjoy this pleasant, light fare too. The sprightly music by Rachael Lawrence includes some rhythmic coconut shaking and hand-clapping from the audience.

Bwarie gives smooth direction to the capable cast, and Lou Carranza’s modest island-flavored costumes and lighting designer Jeremy Pivnick’s palm tree projections create the mood.

The most notable ingredient, however, is a genuine, gentle sweetness that sets the tone as Thumbelina finds her happily-ever-after by following her heart and the gardening job of her dreams.

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‘Thumbelina’

Where: Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank

When: Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m.; Sundays,

1 p.m.; ends Feb. 15.

Price: $12; $10, age 12 and under

Info: (818) 955-8101

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‘THUMBELINA’: Natalie Lander and Tedd Szeto at the Falcon Theatre.

Wesley Horton