It is greatly to Berman's credit that he made no attempt to outdo Ray Bolger. He dropped his earlier and delightful hamming, which is about the only way to handle the old war horse called ``Charley's Aunt,'' and let himself go with as an appealing an ``Amy'' as anybody could ask.

In brief, Berman played himself and not Bolger. The big audience started applauding even before he had finished.

The whole production this week is fresh and lively. The costumes are stunning evocations of the voluminous gowns and picture hats of the Gibson Girl days. The ballet work is on the nose, especially in the opening number by ``The New Ashmolean Marching Society and Students ' Conservatory Band,'' along with a fiery and sultry Brazilian fantasia later.

Berman, whose fame has rested in recent years on his skills as a night club monologist, proved himself very much at home in musical comedy.

Sparrow size Virginia Gibson, with sparkling blue eyes and a cheerful smile, made a suitably perky Amy, while Melisande Congdon, as the real aunt, was positively monumental in the very best Gibson Girl manner.

All told, ``Where's Charley?'' ought not to be missed. It has a fast pace, excellent music, expert direction, and not only a good comedian, but an appealing person in his own right, Mr. Berman.

The Broadway Theater League of Rhode Island presents C. Edwin Knill's and Martin Tahse's production of ``Fiorello!'' at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The book is by Jerome Weidman and George Abbott, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, choreography by Peter Gennaro, scenery, costumes and lighting by William and Jean Eckart, musical direction by Jack Elliott, and the production was directed by Mr. Abbott. The cast: