Theater Reviews: Festen, Just Imagine, Never Land, Save Gertrude

THE PHILADELPHIA STORY This is one of three productions (with Meet Me in St Louis and The Lone Ranger) Fake Radio is staging for its new season. The troupe specializes in authentic re-creations of broadcasts from the “golden age of radio,” cum stylish period costumes, scripts held-in-hand, commercial breaks and a palpable sense of infectious goofiness. Co-produced and directed by David Koff (who also performs), the show boasts an outstanding cast and an alternating lineup of guest stars (the night I attended, Marcia Wallace did the honors). Opening the show, a trio of ladies took their place in front of three onstage microphones and sang a rendition of “Rum and Coca-Cola,” a song popularized by the Andrews Sisters. They were followed by an episode of The Adventures of Superman, with the funny Jon Stark as the caped superhero, and Dave Cox as Batman. Denny Siegel was a blast as Tracy Lords, the ditzy socialite whose pending nuptials precipitate a comic run-in with her ex-husband (Koff), fiancée (Stark) and family in The Philadelphia Story. Koff mentions early on that the script has been tweaked for effect, but it’s very difficult to tell. Everything that transpires, even the breaks for sponsor Lux Soap and war bonds, have a delightful tone and feel of authenticity. Dan Foegelle’s sound design is superb. Fake Radio at the Lost Studio, 130 S. La Brea Ave., L.A.; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; through October 24. (877) 460-9774. (Lovell Estell III)

ROCKIN’ WITH THE AGES Following in the footsteps of such shows as Too Old For the Chorus, this musical revue gives the over-60 set a chance to sing, dance, kick up their heels, and prove they’re not too old to cut the mustard. Not surprisingly, the songs tend to be nostalgic golden oldies, ranging from “My Man” and “These Boots Are Made For Walkin,’” “The Music of the Night,” and “Summertime.” But there’s some real talent here, a number of terrific voices, and a sequin-and-feather-clad tap-dancing ensemble called The Razzmatappers, who prove they’re as spry and energetic as most 20-year-olds. Vocal highlights include David Lara’s operatic renditions of “Summertime,” and “O Solo Mio,” Carl Jacobs’ “Dream the Impossible Dream,” Susan La Croix’s sassy rendition of “Anything Goes,” and Klyda Hill Mahoney’s “Stormy Weather.” Director Warren Berlinger keeps the show moving along nicely, emcee Hank Garrett adds dollops of naughty Catskill-type humor, and Ron Rose provides deft keyboard accompaniments. There’s a huge cast, but the lineup seems to vary from performance to performance. The show is obviously a big hit with seniors, but it’s hard to say how much appeal it’ll have for younger audiences. Actors Forum Theatre, 10655 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; through October 25. (818) 506-0600. (Neal Weaver)