All-Latino ‘Mirandolina’ Avoids Any Compromises

A sure sign of a classic is its universal accessibility, a quality the all-Latino East L.A. Classic Theatre sustains throughout its delightfully witty and energetic staging of “Mirandolina� at Cal State L.A.’s Arena Theatre.

Director Bert Rosario impressively steers his dual casts through Carlo Goldoni’s 18th-Century Venetian farce without a trace of cultural compromise.

In the reviewed performance, Maria Canals proved smart, funny and sexy in the title role, a beautiful innkeeper perpetually fending off advances from her lecherous aristocratic guests (Cilda Shaur alternates as the beleaguered heroine).

Melissa Cooper’s English adaptation skillfully preserves Goldoni’s transitional sensibility--rooted in the stylized buffoonery of commedia dell’arte but forward looking in its differentiated characters and their surprisingly modern romantic complications.

A full-scale battle of the sexes erupts when Mirandolina decides to win the heart of a confirmed woman-hater (Carlos Lacamara/Rick Telles), to the consternation of her suitors (Tonyo Melendez/Marcelo Tubert and Will Gotay/Geoff Rivas) and exasperation of the servants (Vince Lozano/Elias Valenciano and Armen Derian/Richard Miro).

When her wiles prove all too hilariously effective, the back-pedaling Mirandolina’s ultimate choice resonates with wry insight into the enduring pressures of social class--sure to strike a bell with audiences east or west.

* “Mirandolina,� Cal State L.A., Arena Theatre, 5151 State University Drive, East L.A. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Ends April 30. $12. (213) 228-9247, Ext. 2. Running time: 2 hours.