An Enjoyable Excess of Foot Stamping

A Review of Pharaoh Serket and the Lost Stone of Fire
At Seattle Children's Theatre
by Sophia B.


It's a basic tenant of theatre that appearances are deceiving. First impressions rarely last, at least in well-written plays. But in the case of Pharaoh Serket and the Lost Stone of Fire, the first few minutes set the tone to such an extent that one could gain an accurate impression before the actors even came onstage: dramatic, overused music boomed over a stunning set of stars and columns elegantly painted in an ancient Egyptian style.

The play’s plot is fairly simple; a young Pharaoh and a bumbling scribe (the perfunctory comic relief) join a mysterious sorceress on a quest to find a magical stone. It proceeds at a brisk pace, occasionally convoluted but generally entertaining, with notes of humor that had some eyes rolling but earned many an appreciative chuckle. References to ancient Egypt’s culture and religion in the play makes up for a poor portrayal of its politics, though there’s probably no one in the intended audience who’s too hung up on the accuracy of either.

Though some of the characters were one-note and overacted, others were complex and intriguing and…overacted. Every actor had unquestionable merit and brought their characters to life, whether playing a pampered and trembling Pharaoh more capable of preening than ruling, or the dangerous and fascinating Zalira, who towered over all the others in strength an confidence, in spite of being bound, beaten or threatened in more than half her scenes. There was just an excess of foot-stamping.

Overall, whether simplistic or confusing, dramatic or melodramatic, Pharaoh Serket and the Lost Stone of Fire is an enjoyable watch. Its flaws are minor, and aside from some of the final scenes, hardly detract from the viewing experience. I would advise it for any child interested in a good adventure, if not to anyone hung up on subtlety or historic accuracy.


Pharaoh Serket and the Lost Stone of Fire plays now through March 7th
at Seattle Children's Theatre, located in Seattle Center
visit www.sct.org or call 206.441.3322 for tickets and information