Ringing Endorsement for ‘Bells’

When it opened in 1956, “Bells Are Ringing” became a hit for several reasons. It had a listenable, if undistinguished, score by Broadway stalwarts Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Jule Styne and a leading role tailor-made for its multitalented star, Judy Holliday.

“Bells” is enjoyable, despite dated references, when it has leading players with the pizazz to make it come to life.

The current revival at the Newport Theatre Arts Center in Newport Beach, directed with panache by Terri Miller Schmidt, succeeds with charm, fidelity to period and buoyant energy.

“Bells” is set in the days when telephone answering services were a phenomenon, and Susanswerphone is a busy little hive of young ladies trying to make their customers’ lives easier.

Heroine Ella Peterson is particularly adept at meddling in the affairs of those who reach her switchboard, particularly client Jeff Moss, a playwright who calls Ella “Mom” and takes her advice about his flagging career.

Adriana Sanchez is delicious as the exuberant Ella, with an innocent facade and a show-stopping ability to belt out a song.

As the distraught playwright, James Goodrich is a good match; his crisp, strong tenor and warmth blend beautifully in their scenes together. The two make the show’s most memorable numbers, “Long Before I Knew You” and “Just in Time,” fresh.

Director Schmidt keeps tempos bouncy and minimizes scene changes. She also knows that, although the show is full of cartoon characters, the actors should play them like real people. It’s a trick Broadway old-timers knew, and it works here.

The one exception is Kyle Myers’ Sandor, whose bookie operation has sneaked into Susanswerphone’s business, just as Sandor has insincerely sneaked into owner Susan’s heart. Myers is overboard enough to make the character seem out of place.

*

More in control are Janet McGregor as Sue, Lori Lewis as operator Gwynne, Rick Hardgrove as Jeff’s producer and Duane Allen Thomas as a songwriting dentist.

Edward C. Bangasser stands out as delivery boy Carl; he lights up the stage when teaching Ellen how to “Mu-Cha-Cha.” Stephen Reifenstein manages not to step over the obvious line in his impression of Brando-type actor Blake Barton.

With the restraint typical of such Broadway familiars as Eddie Foy Jr. and David Burns, actors Tony Grande and Arthur Kovach are good as the police inspector and his assistant.

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* “Bells Are Ringing,” Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $15. Ends Dec. 13. (949) 631-0288. Running time: 3 hours.

Adriana Sanchez: Ella Peterson

James Goodrich: Jeff Moss

Janet McGregor: Sue

Kyle Myers: Sandor

Tony Grande: Inspector Barnes

Lori Lewis: Gwynne

Edward C. Bangasser: Carl

Rick Hardgrove: Larry Hastings

Stephen Reifenstein: Blake Barton

Duane Allen Thomas: Dr. Kitchell

A Newport Theatre Arts Center revival of the Betty Comden-Adolph Green-Jule Styne musical. Produced by Rosemary Luxton & Jack Millis. Directed by Terri Miller Schmidt. Music direction: Damien Lorton. Choreography: Melanie K. Jacobson. Scenic design: Larry Watts. Lighting design: Gary Samford. Sound design: Bill Bingham. Costume design: Tom Phillips. Stage manager: Terri Collins.