A few years back, Hollywood attempted to bring beloved cartoon characters to life in a combined live-action/animated film. The result—The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle—was a big flop. One of the only successful human/cartoon films were The Pink Panther series, and that was the result of the genius of Peter Sellers and Blake Edwards. Besides, Inspector Clouseau didn't start out as an animated character; the cartoon shorts came later. This style of slapstick buffoonery works much better onstage, from Molière and Feydeau to Christopher Durang and Paul Rudnick.
In the early 1970s, Ron House, Diz White, Alan Shearman, John Neville-Andrews, and Derek Cunningham adapted the Bullshot Crummond films to the stage, lovingly spoofing the British heroics. Crummond was a hit in San Francisco, and it played at the Coronet Theatre in 1974. 30 years later, PCPA Theaterfest has brought forth a luscious revival. Director Jay Louden has skillfully guided his multitasking cast of five actors through the uproarious story. Plot? What plot? Forget the plot, just sit back and laugh.
Patrick McBride has the proper chin and swagger as Bullshot, and is that a python in his swimsuit or is he just happy to see us? As Miss Rosemary, Karin Hendricks does a lovely job as the heroine in distress. Special kudos to costume designer Claire Townsend for Rosemary's polka-dot outfit, including purse and hosiery. It's obvious the writers had Bullwinkle's Boris and Natasha in mind when they created their villains: Otto and Lenya Von Brunno. The dynamic duo of Leo Cortez and Polly Firestone Walker takes Germanic villainy to comic heights. The hardest working cast member is Peter Hadres, who creates seven different and equally funny characterizations.
Dave Nofsinger's turntable and footlights setting, Jennifer Zornow's lush lighting, and Walter T.J. Clissen's perfect sound design are all top-notch and add to the fun.
"Bullshot Crummond," presented by PCPA Theaterfest at the Marian Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Wed. 2 p.m., Thu.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m. July 2-17. $13.50-$28.50. Also at Festival Theatre, 420 2nd St., Solvang. Wed-Sun 8:30 p.m. July 23-Aug 8. (805) 922-8313.