THEATER REVIEW : Holiday Favorite Gets a New Twist : This production of the ‘Nutcracker’ sets the adventure to seasonal, mostly familiar music.

If it’s Christmastime, there must be a production of “The Nutcracker” lurking around somewhere. “Somewhere” in Ventura County this year turns out to be Moorpark, where the local dramatic troupe--The Magnificent Moorpark Melodrama & Vaudeville Company--is mounting its own “The Nutcracker--Melodrama Style.”

It’s a bit different from what you’re used to, unless you’re used to the Moorpark Melodrama.

For one thing, there is singing and dancing, but only a small amount of it is from Tchaikovsky’s celebrated “Nutcracker” score. And the only time anybody in this show dances on toes, it’s on someone else’s. And, unlike the current motion picture “Nutcracker,” this one doesn’t feature Macaulay Culkin.

It’s early in the 20th Century and, during a family holiday reunion, young Clara (Lucian Casselman) receives a nutcracker from her godfather (James Harlow) as a Christmas present. As night falls and the family goes to sleep, the Nutcracker comes to life to battle the evil Mouse King (Jeff Wallach) for control of whatever the King is in control of.

Clara becomes involved in the action, following the Nutcracker on an adventure and meeting fantastic characters including a pair of singing snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy and a living, breathing candy cane--there’s even a cameo appearance by Frosty the Snowman.

All of it is done with plenty of seasonal, mostly familiar music, colorful costumes and sets, and an attractive cast, all factors characteristic of Moorpark Melodrama presentations.

Act 1 of the uncredited script brings the family together and introduces the Nutcracker and mice; Act 2 follows the magical adventures; and the prospect of a third act as more than two hours have already passed is more than a bit daunting. But never fear: Act 3 is brief and mostly singing as a few plot ends are tied up. As pleasurable as it is, if you or your children are tired, the act can be skipped with no great loss.

Wallach, one of the Melodrama’s mainstays of years back, returns to the group after a long absence in a wonderful performance as the comically evil Mouse King. He also appears as Clara’s Uncle Yogi, speaking with a stage-Swedish accent; his character seems to be there mainly to sing Yogi Yorgesson’s ‘50s novelty hit “I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas.”

Casselman is delightful as Clara (though it would be nice if she’d sing with as much vigor--or at least volume--as she acts), and Jason Prince is appropriately wooden as the Nutcracker. KC Coleman and Jason Rasmussen are featured as Clara’s whining cousin Mickie and bratty brother Frank.

Erin Appling, who plays several roles, choreographed the show, and musical director Arthur Dobruki is one of the best, most facile accompanists in recent memory. The singing is quite strong throughout, with the group’s version of “The Carol of the Bells” a particularly inspiring moment in this holiday treat.

Details

* WHAT: The Nutcracker--Melodrama Style

* WHEN: Thursdays and Sundays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Matinees Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through Dec. 19.

* WHERE: Magnificent Moorpark Melodrama & Vaudeville Company Theater, 45 E. High St. in Moorpark.

* COST: All seats $13. Group rates available for some performances.

* FYI: For reservations or further information, call 529-1212