On Theater: Down-home charm of ‘Li’l Abner’ endures

Ask anyone under the age of 50 what they think of Al Capp, Dogpatch, Kickapoo joy juice, Sadie Hawkins Day or Gen. Jubilation T. Cornpone and you’re likely to get a blank stare.

But in the 1950s, Capp’s “Li’l Abner” comic strip was the epitome of witty satire blended with farcical comedy. Only Walt Kelly’s “Pogo” could match the cartoonist’s broad but razor-sharp observations of American society.

The strip became a Broadway show (and later a movie) and has endured through six decades, enjoying an occasional revival such as the gleeful version now on stage at the Newport Theatre Arts Center under the spirited direction of center newcomer Dimyana Pelev, who also choreographed the show.

Matching available actors to the characterizations created by Capp is a formidable task, but Pelev has succeeded splendidly, for the most part. Her choice for the title role of the hunky hillbilly, Chris Yeschenko, may not be physically prepossessing, but he handles his task with all the down-home virtues it demands.

The production has truly struck gold with its Daisy Mae, the thinly clad beauty who pursues the strangely reluctant Abner incessantly. Jennifer Bales is a stunning brunette, “blonded up” for her assignment, and her gorgeous figure is matched by her melodic vocal tones in such musical numbers as the ironic “I’m Past My Prime.”

Another standout is Tom Short’s frenetic Marryin’ Sam, the backwoods preacher who specializes in $2 weddings (or the deluxe version for $8). More prominent here than in the strip, the character revels in Short’s superior depiction.

Kip Hogan is among Orange County’s top comic actresses, and she’s a perfect choice for Abner’s mom, the pugnacious Mammy Yokum (would that she had more stage time). Gordon Buckley also scores as her henpecked husband, Pappy, who can’t seem to get a word in edgewise.

Where the Newport show falls somewhat short of the mark is in its depiction of Earthquake McGoon, “the world’s dirtiest rassler,” and the bombastic billionaire General Bullmoose. Rex Roi has the physical dimensions but lacks the strength of projection for the former role, and Gil Morales is overly hesitant in the latter assignment, which calls for firm command.

Tara Waldschmidt is a very appealing Appassionata Von Climax, Bullmoose’s lovely accomplice. Anna-Karin Bjorklun stuns but doesn’t quite stupify as the traffic-stopping Stupifyn’ Jones. Vanessa Evans is a kick in the gender-bending role of Evil Eye Fleigel (“Fleagle” in the comic strip).

Rachel Harkavy impresses as the voluptuous, pig-loving Moonbeam McSwine, joined in the ensemble by her super-cute 13-year-old daughter, Tatum. Tyler Marshall stirs things up as Dogpatch’s clipboard-wielding congressional representative Sen. Jack S. Phogbound (“there’s no Jack S. like our Jack S.”)

David Dilorio’s musical direction is sharp and punctuates the catchy Johnny Mercer lyrics. Andrew Otero’s movable setting establishes a suitable backdrop.

“Li’l Abner” once tickled a plethora of comic strip devotees, and later theater and movie buffs as well, but now puts in only an occasional stage appearance. It’s now entertaining a new generation of audiences (along with a few old ones) at the Newport Theatre Arts Center.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot, Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent.

WHAT: “Li’l Abner”

WHERE: Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach

WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. matinee Saturday and Sunday, until June 28

COST: $21

CALL: (949) 631-0288