I often hear people defend flawed productions by protesting, "It's community theater," thereby entitled to amateur errors. I get that, and do assess productions according to what I know their participants can accomplish. The catch is I've seen some mighty fine community theater over the years. Scan my Carvy year's-best lists since 2010, and you'll find community theater, meaning theater for which most of the actors and technicians aren't paid, very well represented indeed.

I don't know if director Robert McConkey's production of The Tempest at Olympia Little Theatre will make this year's list, but it certainly contains elements that hold their own with the products of larger, wealthier companies. Take, for example, its wonderful costumes, overseen by Barb Matthews and assembled by lots of folks including the actors themselves. McConkey sets his production on an uncharted isle somewhere o'er the rainbow, with a yellow-brick floor and the trappings of a land we heard of once in a lullaby. The set, designed by Blake York of Tacoma Little Theatre, calls to mind a certain humbug-turned-wizard's throne room, lit beautifully by a fellow the program calls Guy Incognito. (You might remember Guy as the British doppelganger of Homer Simpson.) "Incognito" finally wrings full value from OLT's lighting system.

To be sure, there are hits and, yes, misses among the cast. One local thespian is overemoting his face off. Another's in a whole other show, tonally speaking. But check out Alayna Joelle Chamberland, committing her full physicality, intellect and passion to the character of Ariel. This elemental sprite is bound to the will of Prospero, an exiled Milanese duke who now rules an unnamed isle as a magical sage. Prospero's played by Rick Pearlstein, an actor who's upped his game in recent years and now does serious, understanding work in a difficult role. I'd encourage him to find more intense levels of urgency, but his Prospero as it stands is worthy of respect. Sara Geiger makes a lovely, awkward Miranda, and Lynn Couch lends gravitas (and a killer beard) to Gonzalo.

This show put a smile on my face near the end of a chaotic week. Give it a chance. You may find your troubles melting like lemon drops.

THE TEMPEST, 7:55 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 1:55 p.m. Sunday, through July 27, Olympia Little Theatre, 1925 Miller Ave. NE, Olympia, $10-$14, 360.786.9484