THEATER REVIEW:

One of the many things South Coast Repertory has done exceedingly well over its 43-year history is to reach out to other cultures, particularly the Latino community, in presenting productions of multicultural appeal. The most obvious example is its annual “La Posada Magica” at Christmas time, which is 14 seasons old and counting.

At the moment, SCR is hosting another entity with impressive longevity — the Chicano/Latino comedy troupe Culture Clash, which was formed two dozen years ago in San Francisco. This three-member group, consisting of Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza, takes on a variety of topical subjects, all with a Hispanic accent.

“Culture Clash in AmeriCCa” is the company’s latest potshot at contemporary culture, and it’s quite up-to-date; former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer is among its targets. Overall, however, it’s a mixed bag of ethnic entertainment with considerably more hits than misses.

Under the direction of SCR co-founder David Emmes, the Culture Clash triumvirate impresses most with its ubiquitous presence. Costume changes are lightning quick, and the three appear to do the work of 30 on the Julianne Argyros stage.

Their modus operandi is to comb the area in which they’re scheduled to perform, interview some of the inhabitants and create routines particularly identifiable to the new venue. SCR audiences may yearn for more material lampooning their own stomping grounds.

While just a few routines are Orange County-centric, the Culture Clash crazies cover the country with their unique takes on current events. There’s even an extended segment about a young New England priest confronting the dying monsignor who molested him long ago. Not a drop of humor here, but unforgettably poignant.

Primarily, however, the Clashers perform for the fun of it, in both male and female guise, and in one case, a little of each in one character. Their most effective bit, specially created for the local production, is a piece entitled “Orange County A to Y,” in which a father recounts the work he’s performed to earn enough money to get his daughter into college.

Montoya, Salinas and Siguenza all are masters of the standup art, and all acquit themselves splendidly, save for one moment near the end of Saturday’s performance during which one of the trio seemed to lose his bearings (or his lines), resulting in some improvisational chuckles.

“Culture Clash in AmeriCCa” performs on a bare stage, bringing in a chair or two when required, and entertains with sass and savvy. It’s not all belly laughs, but there are plenty of guaranteed giggles.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Culture Clash in AmeriCCa”

WHERE: South Coast Repertory Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:45 Saturdays and Sundays, until April 6

COST: $28 – $62

CALL: (714) 708-5555

‘Princess Bride’ to reign in Newport

Remember “The Princess Bride,” Rob Reiner’s cleverly dressed satire on romantic screen epics? Well, she’s coming to Newport Beach next weekend.

Yes, the 1987 movie featuring the Cliffs of Insanity, Rodents of Unusual Size and the Pit of Despair has been adapted for the stage, and the Newport Beach Repertory Company will be presenting it for one weekend only.

Movie fans, and those literary types who first discovered Princess Buttercup in William Goldman’s novel, will remember such catch phrases as “As you wish,” “It’s inconceivable” and Mandy Patinkin’s oft-repeated threat: “Hello. My name in Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

“‘The Princess Bride’ translates well to stage with the feel of the classic British comedy troupe Monty Python, blended with a very stylized classical romance,” director Robert Conrad declares. “Fans of the movie’s 20th anniversary will enjoy the live stage presentation and feel part of the wondrous fairy tale adventure.”

In the Newport stage version, the title role will be played by Janet Martin, with Corey Case as the dashing (and eventually dashed) Westley. Vincent Valenzuela will enact the revenge-bent swordsman Inigo Montoya.

Dan Rigmaiden is cast as Fezzik, the hulking ally played on the screen by the late Andre the Giant. Jaret Smith is the scheming Prince Humperdinck, Shawn Roselius plays the loquacious Vizzini, and Robin Rigmaiden is the Albino.

Peter Falk’s kindly grandfather character has become a grandmother for the local production, played by Elizabeth Wallner. Chayce Martin plays her transfixed grandson, who urges grandma to fast-forward through the “kissing scenes.”

Others in the Newport cast are Karen Knab, James Martin, Tiffany Pender and Tara Meyer, who also stage manages the production.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “The Princess Bride”

WHERE: Newport Coast Community Center, 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach

WHEN: 8 p.m. April 3 and 5; 1:30 and 8 p.m. April 5, and 1:30 p.m. April 6

COST: Tickets are $18 for adults; $16 for seniors and children

CALL: (714) 535-5618

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Thursdays.