‘Ramona Quimby’ a likable brat

Tom Titus

The title character of “Ramona Quimby,” the latest production of the

Laguna Playhouse Youth Theater, is -- to put it mildly -- a bit of a

brat. She’s an equal opportunity pain in the neck, irritating her

parents, her big sister, her teacher, her schoolmates and anyone else

within earshot.

When things don’t go her way, as they usually don’t, the feisty

third-grader can kick up an awful fuss. But somehow, audiences can

identify with her, at least to the point where they don’t turn

against her.

This stage adaptation, by Len Jenkin, of a series of children’s

books by Beverly Cleary, spreads out neatly over the huge expanse of

the Laguna stage under the direction of Donna Inglima. Don Gruber’s

colorful set design meshes quite nicely with the grade-school spirit

of the show.

Ramona, deftly played by Nettie Wigdor, encounters many of the

problems which have bedeviled kids for decades -- school rivalries,

adults breaking their word, her father’s sudden unemployment and his

battle to fight the cigarette habit -- and her overreactions are

age-appropriate. Wigdor renders her bratty character engaging, though

she could polish the clarity of her line delivery.

Particularly impressive in the Laguna production is Ramona’s older

sister, Beezus (the result of a much-younger Ramona’s attempt to

pronounce Beatrice), played with a knowing charm by Jayne Gustafson.

She’s also the narrator of the play, and Gustafson occasionally

points out her added responsibility to her fellow actors in

mid-scene, an amusing touch.

Pat Warren successfully projects the frustration that goes with

the territory of motherhood, while Terry Christopher gives us a

father with feet of clay, striving to overcome his misfortunes with a

loving hand. These are parental characters which youthful audience

members will have little problem recognizing.

As the girls’ gorgeous Aunt Bea, Carrie Polhammer also illustrates

the frailties of adulthood, putting her promises to the girls on hold

to make room for romance. Jonathan Motil enthusiastically portrays

her determined suitor, attempting to win the girls’ favor along with

their aunt’s hand.

Several other fringe characters make occasional impressions --

Corey Diamond as a recalcitrant youngster, April Morgan as a fussy

teacher, Anabel Mae Pascall as a far-too-bright student, Diana Hunt

as a spirited scout leader and Jay Skovec in a plethora of roles,

most notably as a shuffling, saluting old man with a fondness for

Ramona and her family.

“Ramona Quimby” doesn’t really have a starting or finishing point.

It’s more accurately presented as a slice-of-life portrait of

assorted problems in the lives of two young sisters and how they

attempt to make lemonade out of the lemons life deals them.

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BACKSTAGE

Turning a tad personal, my special lady Jurine, a splendid singer,

is looking for women interested in forming a small vocal group to

entertain on a volunteer basis at local hospitals and retirement

homes. Those seeking further information can send an e-mail to

[email protected].