SMOOTH BREW—Doc (Andy Brasted), right, shows Ensign Pulver (Patrick Beckstead), left, and Lt. j.g. Roberts (Peter Krause) how to make fake scotch on board ship in “Mister Roberts,” now playing weekends at the Camarillo Community Theatre. Now hear this: All hands report to Camarillo Community Theatre for “Mister Roberts,” playing now through Sept. 19.

The Tony Award-winning play began as short stories penned by Thomas Heggen about his experiences during World War II. Heggen and Joshua Logan scripted the Broadway play that opened in 1948 and ran more than 1,000 performances with Henry Fonda in the title role. He reprised the character in the 1955 Oscar-winning movie.

“Roberts” is similar in theme to the 1954 play “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.” Both examine the tensions between a tyrannical captain, who must be obeyed at all costs, and an officer who feels obligated to rebel for the benefit of the crew.

Lt. j.g. Roberts (Peter Krause) is the executive officer aboard a Navy cargo carrier somewhere in the South Pacific in the last days of World War II, far from military action. Roberts longs for a transfer to a fighting ship so he can engage in the “real” war, but the captain (Robert Weibezahl) won’t let him go.

The captain is more concerned about his own promotion—and the admiral’s gift of a potted palm— than the welfare of the crew. He forbids the men shore leave, which makes for an unhappy crew spoiling for a fight.

Roberts realizes the men need relaxation off the ship. When the lieutenant insists, the captain finally agrees to grant the men liberty— but at a price.

Roberts’ confidant on the ship is its genial doctor (Andy Brasted), who seldom treats a malady worse than a hangover. Doc’s a pleasant country doctor at heart, much like Leonard McCoy of “Star Trek,” who treats men’s minds as well as their bodies. He listens to Roberts’ rants and offers paternal advice and comfort.

Roberts’ antithesis is Ensign Pulver (Patrick Beckstead), who dreams up grandiose tricks to play on the captain, but he’s a big talker who never follows through. This nervous wimp is in sharp contrast to the driven, confident Roberts. While the two men’s tales seem incongruent, how their stories resolve is a kicker.

Krause, Brasted and Beckstead play off each other well. Krause is tightly coiled, ready to explode but forced to tamp down his frustration. Brasted is a hearty fellow, a kind soul full of good advice. Beckstead is a flighty, spinless basket case.

Wiebezahl gives his role the right amount of ineptness but needs more malice. In his climactic confrontation with Roberts, the character comes off more pathetic than menacing, thus reducing the scene’s “bite.”

The large ensemble of 11 scraggly and sex-starved sailors comprise the ragtag crew, not too bright but fiercely loyal to Mister Roberts. They’re a likable bunch of misfits, energetic, funny and well-played by the spunky cast.

Director Brian Robert Harris blocks the action well, from the intense fight scene to the reveille lineup that doesn’t appear stagy.

“Roberts” has less at stake than “Caine Mutiny” and, unlike the latter play, dilutes the impact of the psychological drama with silly crew pranks. And the lieutenant’s desire for an exciting military career may seem petty to modern Americans disillusioned by unpopular wars.

But the theme of good leadership easily translates into the corporate world of middle management squeezed between uncaring executives and uninspired workers. How does one motivate workers within the bounds of company regulations? Or deal with a difficult boss? Does one quit and storm off the job or “suck it up” and stick it out—or revolt?

The theater is at 330 Skyway Drive. For showtimes and tickets, call (805) 388-5716.