T.H. McCULLOH’S FAVORITE PERFORMANCES

In chronological order:

* “Fefu and Her Friends,” UC Irvine (February). A difficult play given style and dimension by director Danielle Bedau.

* “Bambi,” Laguna Playhouse (May). Director Joe Lauderdale’s vivid, intelligent concept made this classic a visual and dramatic joy for adults as well as children.

* “Holiday,” Vanguard Theatre, Fullerton (June). A faithful and sparkling production of Philip Barry’s comedy, loaded with good performances and high comedy style.

* “Lost in Yonkers,” Long Beach Playhouse (June). One of Neil Simon’s richer plays made even richer by the honest, forthright staging of Phyllis B. Gitlin.

* “Catholic School Girls,” Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa (June). A simplistic and difficult play made to look complicated and easy under John Ferzacca’s compassionate direction.

* “The Boys in the Band,” Theatre District, Costa Mesa. (August). Director Mario Lescot found profound new emotional power in a piece usually played mostly for laughs.

* “Fifth of July,” Vanguard Theatre, Fullerton (October). Dedication to and insights into Lanford Wilson’s intent made this sure-footed production one of its best revivals.

* “Five Women,” Cal State Fullerton (October). The five actresses playing bridesmaids imbued their performances with such honesty and sense of reality that they didn’t appear to be acting.

* “Easter,” Cal State Fullerton (December). One of Strindberg’s lesser efforts made grand and imminently theatrical through Christian Kiley’s stylish period direction and a stunning performance by Trevor H. Olsen.