To these gents, all’s fair in love and mob-land war

Who would have thought that the 1964 New York World’s Fair -- that paradigm of wholesome Americana -- was a ripe opportunity for organized crime?

That’s the premise, at least, of playwright Jim Geoghan, who worked at a mob-run restaurant at the fair and now channels that youthful experience into “Two Gentlemen of Corona,” a rollicking new comedy at the West Coast Ensemble.

From “Some Like It Hot” onward, hilarious mobsters are nothing new. Yet Geoghan gives a sweetly retro twist to “Gentlemen,” keeping his comic archetypes so anchored in reality that they elicit sympathy as well as laughter.

Phil (Phillip C. Curry), the African American operator of the Corona diner, caters to the local wiseguy crowd while wisely keeping his nose out of his customers’ business. Phil’s regulars include Joey Nickels (Adrian R’Mante), a low-level wiseguy and avid ballroom dancer who services vending machines but longs for the big bucks. Joey and his cheerfully thuggish best friend, Carmine (Chris Damiano), plan to run a mob-controlled souvenir concession at the New York World’s Fair. Mob boss John Esposito (Sam Ingraffia) gives his blessing to the enterprise, nervous manufacturer Lenny Green (Michael Zemenick) supplies the cheesy tchotchkes, and the cash rolls in. However, when Joey commences an affair with John’s endearingly obtuse mistress, Angelina (C.B. Spencer), also a dance enthusiast, both Joey and Angelina seem destined to take a long waltz off a short pier in cement overshoes.

Geoghan’s yarn ultimately takes a dive into easy sentimentality, but director Henry Polic II and his dream cast keep the action frothy, fun and absolutely believable. Choreographer Cate Caplin oversees the polished dance sequences. Tim Farmer’s amazingly detailed diner is one of the best small theater sets in memory. Shon LeBlanc’s period costumes are also terrific, as is Lisa D. Katz’s lighting and Bryce Ryness’ be-bopping sound. As for the unforgettable comic timing of Polic and his cast, it should be bottled and sold as souvenirs, right next to the plastic Empire State buildings and the Statue of Liberty potholders.

*

‘Two Gentlemen of Corona’

Where: West Coast Ensemble,

522 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays,

3 p.m. Sundays

Ends: July 30

Price: $20

Contact: (323) 525-0022; www.wcensemble.org

Running time: 2 hours