STAGE REVIEW : OCC’s ‘Liaisons’ Slows on Curves : Director John Ferzacca can’t always keep pace with playwright Christopher Hampton’s quick-witted words.

COSTA MESA — One of the most dangerous theatrical liaisons is that between performers and directors, and high style.

For the most part, director John Ferzacca finds the relationship comfortable. But sometimes he misses just slightly in his staging of Christopher Hampton’s very theatrical adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos’ classic novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” at Orange Coast College.

Although it is very serious in its depiction of 18th-Century randy mores and lack of manners, “Liaisons” is a comedy both in its writing and its message, and Ferzacca’s tempos throughout are somewhat sluggish to achieve the sparkle atop Hampton’s words.

David Scaglione, who designed the evocative setting and the period costumes, also chose music for a soundtrack that sets the tempos about right, but Ferzacca doesn’t follow the beat.

Debbie Grattan as the Marquise de Merteuil, who engineers the assignations and debaucheries, has it all right. Her line readings are light and glittering, hiding the evil truth behind her words. She’s a charmer who knows the style and wears it beautifully.

Eric Anderson also has a good grasp of the silken-smooth manner of the marquise’s great and evil friend, Valmont, but he is inclined to swallow words and hasn’t yet grasped the lightness, the offhandedness of the period. He’s too serious most of the time, especially when Valmont is pretending to be serious. It weakens the turnabout in his death scene.

Amy Young is delightfully obtuse as Cecile, whom Valmont ruins to please the marquise, and Lynn Laguna is affecting as La Presidente de Tourvel, whom he ruins to please himself and is sorry ever after. Richard Stauffacher’s Danceny, adored by Cecile, is too much a nerd, too self-effacing and not nearly vain enough to really attract her.

Dave Dunbrack’s lighting is exquisite, particularly when he singles out Valmont at the moment when he senses impending doom, and glows with the sometimes cool, sometimes warm high style that should imbue the entire production.

‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’

An Orange Coast College Drama Lab production of the Christopher Hampton play. Directed by John Ferzacca. With Debbie Grattan, Anna Fitzwater, Eric Anderson, Amy Young, Mark Coyan, Joan McGillis, Lynn Laguna, Paula Spas and Richard Stauffacher. Set and costumes: David Scaglione. Lighting: Dave Dunbrack. At the Drama Lab Theatre, Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Ave., Costa Mesa. Thursdays to Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Oct. 11, 3 p.m. Ends Oct. 11. $8 to $9; (714) 432-5880. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.