All-Latino ‘Mirandolina’ Avoids Any Compromises

A sure sign of a classic is its universal accessibility, a quality the all-Latino East L.A. Classic Theatre sustains throughout its delightfully witty and energetic staging of “Mirandolina” at Cal State L.A.’s Arena Theatre.

Director Bert Rosario impressively steers his dual casts through Carlo Goldoni’s 18th-Century Venetian farce without a trace of cultural compromise.

In the reviewed performance, Maria Canals proved smart, funny and sexy in the title role, a beautiful innkeeper perpetually fending off advances from her lecherous aristocratic guests (Cilda Shaur alternates as the beleaguered heroine).

Melissa Cooper’s English adaptation skillfully preserves Goldoni’s transitional sensibility--rooted in the stylized buffoonery of commedia dell’arte but forward looking in its differentiated characters and their surprisingly modern romantic complications.

A full-scale battle of the sexes erupts when Mirandolina decides to win the heart of a confirmed woman-hater (Carlos Lacamara/Rick Telles), to the consternation of her suitors (Tonyo Melendez/Marcelo Tubert and Will Gotay/Geoff Rivas) and exasperation of the servants (Vince Lozano/Elias Valenciano and Armen Derian/Richard Miro).

When her wiles prove all too hilariously effective, the back-pedaling Mirandolina’s ultimate choice resonates with wry insight into the enduring pressures of social class--sure to strike a bell with audiences east or west.

* “Mirandolina,” Cal State L.A., Arena Theatre, 5151 State University Drive, East L.A. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Ends April 30. $12. (213) 228-9247, Ext. 2. Running time: 2 hours.