Spirit Is Willing

Notable local productions of two venerable, popular musicals opened last week: “West Side Story” in Camarillo, and Gilbert & Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” in Simi Valley. Both companies more than compensate with spirit and talent what they may lack in big-theater production values. Audiences may flock to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza for expensive art direction and comfortable seating, but there’s a lot to be said for these smaller-scale shows, as well.

The Camarillo Community Theatre edition of “West Side Story” features a cast that, for the most part, seems young enough to be members of the street gangs--Puerto Rican and “American”--featured in this 1957 show. With issues like “turf” and pride still with us on urban streets, this show resonates strongly today; only some of the language and the scale of the weaponry have changed in the 40 years since it debuted on Broadway.

Andrew Ainsfeld and Jasmine Jonas headline as the star-crossed lovers, Polish American Tony and recent Puerto Rican immigrant Maria, with Joshua Kranz and Santino Preciado as the leaders of the warring Jets and Sharks, respectively. Georgina Cebrero is featured as Maria’s older sister, Anita, with Lynsey Bartilson as Anybodys, a tomboy whose primary dream is to be accepted as a Jet. The adults include Ed Weinberg as drugstore owner Doc; John Alden and David Friel as a pair of frustrated policemen; and the fellow who calls himself simply “Spanky” as Glad Hand, emcee at the galvanizing dance at the gym.

Many of the actors seem to be new to the local community theater stage (though they may have been in youth theater productions), but virtually all acquit themselves admirably. Bartilson and Ken Krabel dance the “Somewhere” ballet (sung by Spanky). One of the show’s few shortcomings is that the pair aren’t costumed to more closely resemble Tony and Maria, whom they’re supposed to be portraying at that point.

Director Kelly Johnston, her co-choreographer Krabel, and musical directors Meredith Bryant and Preciado deserve special commendation for their work with a group of youngsters. Making things all the more difficult is that the music is a taped orchestral score. Many of the costumes look as though they have been pulled from the actors’ own closets; dancing on this particular stage in sneakers (rather than dance shoes of some kind) results in a sound that’s clunkier than the dancing itself.

Arthur Laurents wrote the script, of course, with music and some lyrics by Leonard Bernstein, both Broadway veterans. Most of the lyrics were by a promising 27-year-old named Stephen Sondheim.

* “West Side Story” continues through Aug. 31 at the Camarillo Airport Theater, 330 Skyway Drive, on the Camarillo Airport grounds. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets to all performances are $10 adults; $8 seniors, students and active military; and $5 children 10 and younger. There is a family package of two adult and up to three children’s admissions for $25. For reservations or information, call 388-5716.

*

“Pinafore” Floats: As their third Gilbert & Sullivan production, the Comedy Tonight troupe is presenting the duo’s popular social satire “H.M.S. Pinafore” at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. It’s a straightforward, well-sung and brisk production, directed by Rebecca Hanes and Gabriel Vega. Backstage problems, including a couple of last-minute cast changes, don’t show a bit, with Lance Taubold the very model of romantic lead Ralph Rackstraw, and Patricia Lathrop-McPherson as Josephine--the Captain’s daughter betrothed to stuffy and underqualified Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Joseph Porter K.C.B. (Andrew Kreigel), but secretly in love with common seaman Ralph.

Lloyd Allen plays Captain Corcoran, and co-director Vega is seen channeling actor Robert Newton’s classic portrayal of Long John Silver as “Pinafore’s” comic villain Dick Deadeye. Joy C. Bangasser is slimmer and more genteel than most visions of Little Buttercup (or the script would indicate), but sings and acts delightfully.

Musical director Kate Freeman has adapted Sir Arthur Sullivan’s score to the unconventional but delightful combination of herself on piano and flute, Joelle Fenger on woodwinds, and Jason Antony as percussionist.

* “H.M.S. Pinafore” concludes Sunday evening at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 adults; $10 seniors, students; and $5 children. For reservations, call 581-9940.