THEATER REVIEW:

Playwright Ken Ludwig seems to enjoy a particular fondness for that triangle of America bounded by Buffalo, N.Y. (“Moon Over Buffalo”), Cleveland (“Lend Me a Tenor”) and southeastern Pennsylvania (“Leading Ladies,” now frolicking on the Golden West College stage).

Ludwig must hold a special fancy for “Leading Ladies.” The play is set in his birthplace of York, Pa., where two English actors earn a few bucks here and there performing skits from Shakespeare at the local Moose lodge. But there’s more than applause and a few bob to be mined here. A wealthy dowager has named her heirs — or heiresses, to be correct — each of whom stands to rake in a cool million.

Abruptly, the show turns into “Some Like It Hot” as the Brits don drag and attempt to pass themselves off as the long-lost nieces. They just hadn’t figured on falling for two of the local ladies along the way.

Director Tom Amen, who previously staged “Buffalo” and “Tenor” at GWC, is quite familiar with this farcical territory, and he has come up with a thoroughly enjoyable, often hilarious production. Backed by Walter Huntoon’s palatial setting and Susan Thomas Babb’s period 1950s costumes (Ludwig also loves the ’50s), the show is a visual delight.

The two somewhat nefarious actors are particularly well-played by David Chorley and Sean Coutu. Chorley excels in the showier role of Leo, who seems to concoct furtive schemes in mid-scamper. Coutu simmers and burns as he’s dragged deeper into the conspiracy and finds himself pursued by two unwanted male suitors.

Julie Patzer plays the engaged young lady who captures Chorley’s heart, brimming with youth and energy in a lustrous performance. Coutu’s attentions are fixed on Cassandra Cade, a bubbly roller-skating airhead.

The fly in the romantic ointment is Lawrence Hemingway, who enacts a dreamless, colorless minister engaged to Patzer’s character and who continually searches for a way to squelch the lads’ plans. The elderly aunt, very much alive and kicking, is given a splendidly acid-tongued rendering by veteran actress Shirley Romano.

Bruce Alexander, a familiar face on the Golden West stage, turns in his personal best performance as the local doctor, one of the pair with designs on Coutu’s in-drag character. The other is Robert Ferreras, who relies on physical comedy for his share of the laughs.

“Leading Ladies” is a real hoot — even on an opening night devoid of air conditioning on the hottest day of the year. Ludwig’s slices of Americana are always enjoyable — and, who knows, maybe someday he’ll set one in my home town of Corry, Pa. It’s in his territory.

WHAT: “Leading Ladies”

WHERE: Golden West College, 15744 Golden West St., Huntington Beach

WHEN: Closing performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

COST: $10 to $12

CALL: (714) 895-8150

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.