By David A. Sargent

Special to the Sun Journal

AUBURN — Non-stop madcap antics by a solid cast of area actors propel Community Little Theater’s (CLT) current production of “Shakespeare in Hollywood.”

This Ken Ludwig comedy is an outstanding mash-up of fact, fiction and off-the-wall frivolity. It’s a fantasy based on the actual 1935 filming of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with a star-studded cast.

Mixing some legendary names of the silver screen with a magical visit from two of Shakespeare’s highly-esteemed stars can only lead to an evening of enchanting chaos.

The roles of King Oberon and Puck are played to perfection by Stephen Brakey and Lilly Victoria Gardiner, each appearing for the first time on the CLT stage.

Gardiner’s portrayal of Puck, the endearing and ever-unruly fairy, is truly entrancing. Her light-as-air movement began with dance performances at the age of two in Yeovil, England. Now a senior at Brunswick High School, she has extensive stage experience.

Brakey’s regal characterization of Oberon, king of the fairies, hits all the right notes as his imperious arrogance collides with his clueless view of the twentieth century.

Max Reinhardt, an acclaimed European stage director, is ably played by David Marshall, a 20-year CLT veteran.

Reinhardt has come to Hollywood to film the Shakespearean classic, but the project at Warner Brothers Studio hits a snag when his stars, Mickey Rooney and Victor Jory, are knocked off the cast. Lured by the film-world glitz and glamour, the “real” Oberon and Puck land the coveted roles.

There are many stand-out performances among the play’s Hollywood stars.

Melissa Stevens, returning to CLT after 11 years, plays Lydia Lansing, girlfriend of studio boss Jack Warner. Stevens brings excellent comedic skills to the role of a film actress with limited talent.

Paul Menezes, familiar to many area theatre audiences, plays Daryl, Jack Warner’s “yes man.” The part is said to be based on movie mogul Daryl F. Zanuck, and Menezes plays it with a meekness that always hints at an ability to achieve his own success.

New to the CLT stage are Rebecca and Charlie Cole, an acting couple known for appearances in the Greater Portland area.

Rebecca Cole turns in an outstanding performance as Olivia Darnell, a part based on actress Olivia de Havilland. She presents a very appealing portrayal of Olivia and her bittersweet relationship with the immortal Oberon.

Charlie Cole plays Will Hays, the infamous movie censor, who meets his inevitable fate in classic Shakespearean form.

There’s plenty of wild comedy when just about everyone falls into loony romantic relationships caused by a flower’s mixed-up matchmaking capability.

Adam R. Lee injects plenty of wild and zany action as 1930s comedian Joe E. Brown, in drag, and the focus of some unwanted amorous attention. Lee is also Sam Warner, one of the studio’s brother-owners.

Andrea Quaid is radio gossip personality Louella Parsons, and she shines with her flair for comedy.

Henry Quintal debuts at CLT as singer-actor Dick Powell. He adds this role to a long list of fine performances throughout the area.

Roger Philippon, 20-year CLT veteran, portrays the head of Warner Bros. Studios and his brothers are played by Bruce Bickford, Adam Lee, and Chip Morrison, who has been in about 50 CLT shows. Morrison also does a clever cameo of Groucho Marx.

Dan Kane appears in a supporting role as James Cagney, and a quick cameo of Johnny Weissmuller’s Tarzan.

Ensemble players include Dwight J. Wilcoxson, Zachary Morin, Bre Allard, Jane Mitchell, Yoel Sherwood, Linda Sherwood and Lynn O’Donnell.

Under the direction of Mitchell Clyde Thomas, “Shakespeare in Hollywood” is a riotous delight. Some production details show the challenges of working with a volunteer organization’s budget, but Thomas is proficient in presenting excellent theatre within these limitations. He places emphasis on this area’s excellent pool of talent.

Patricia Phillips is assistant director. Producer is Heidi McCurdy, and assistance in direction and production is credited to Hayden Thomas, who also produced an excellent program with actors’ bio information and essential background on the show’s historical figures in Hollywood.

Remaining performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, Feb. 18-20, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. For tickets call the CLT box office at 783-0958 or go online to www.laclt.com.

Community Little Theatre is located at the Great Falls Performing Arts Center, 30 Academy St., Auburn.