Under the Floorboards
Review of The Borrowers at Seattle Children's Theatre by Samantha V.
As the black curtains part, I am transported into a dollhouse-sized world of people I find I have a lot in common with. Seattle Children’s Theatre’s latest production, The Borrowers is based upon the books by Mary Norton, and has been adapted for the stage by Charles Way. Under the direction of Rita Giomi with a talented array of artists, magnificent sets designed by Carey Wong, and costumes by Deane Middleton, SCT’s The Borrowers enthusiastically brings the realities of the Clock family to life.
Click image to enlarge
Emily Chisholm as Arrietty, Marianne Owen as Homily and Ian Bell as Pod Clock
Photo by Chris Bennion
In the Clock’s home of borrowed things where a spool of thread makes a perfect stool, and a thimble can be used as a soup pot, Arrietty Clock (played by Emily Chisolm) is a 14 year old who wants more independence. Arrietty longs to get out there to feel the fresh air on her face, which is understandable considering that she has been living under a home's floorboards her whole life. Like many parents, Homily and Pod Clock (played by Marianne Owen and Ian Bell, respectively) protect their daughter, and want to keep her safe from all of the perceived threats of the world above their ceiling.
Rio Codda as Boy and Emily Chisholm as Arrietty Clock
Photo by Chris Bennion
When Arrietty does venture into the space above the floorboards, she meets Boy (played by Rio Codda). They share a curiously intriguing relationship, each wanting to know and understand more about each other, and their respective worlds. I enjoy this aspect of The Borrowers very much. I firmly believe that all people have equal value. I believe that it is through our questioning of the status quo, and truly hearing what each other is really saying, that we gain the insight necessary to bring about life-altering action guided by compassion and respect. The empathy and the resulting action of Boy toward the Clock family is admirable…I know I would do the same.
Emily Chisholm as Arrietty, Marianne Owen as Homily and Ian Bell as Pod Clock
Photo by Chris Bennion
In closing, Seattle Children’s Theatre‘s The Borrowers runs through October 31st, 2010. Recommended for ages 8 and up, it is a great play. I heartily encourage you to attend a performance, and bring a sibling or a friend to share this theatrical experience with. May you never look at the floor beneath your feet the same way.
The Borrowers
Seattle Children's Theatre
Through October 31
Going to Seattle Children's Theatre for the first time? Write us a note about it, and you might win a fabulous prize pack including tons of tickets and memberships to local arts venues. It's the Teen Tix (he)ARTSCrush Adventure Quest! All you have to do is go to this form, write a note (150 words or less) about your experience at a new-to-you arts venue, and hit "Submit." Boom. You're entered to win. Do it over and over and over again and you might get crowned Seattle's Bravest Young Arts-Goer TM. More details here. Good luck!
As the black curtains part, I am transported into a dollhouse-sized world of people I find I have a lot in common with. Seattle Children’s Theatre’s latest production, The Borrowers is based upon the books by Mary Norton, and has been adapted for the stage by Charles Way. Under the direction of Rita Giomi with a talented array of artists, magnificent sets designed by Carey Wong, and costumes by Deane Middleton, SCT’s The Borrowers enthusiastically brings the realities of the Clock family to life.
Click image to enlargeEmily Chisholm as Arrietty, Marianne Owen as Homily and Ian Bell as Pod Clock
Photo by Chris Bennion
In the Clock’s home of borrowed things where a spool of thread makes a perfect stool, and a thimble can be used as a soup pot, Arrietty Clock (played by Emily Chisolm) is a 14 year old who wants more independence. Arrietty longs to get out there to feel the fresh air on her face, which is understandable considering that she has been living under a home's floorboards her whole life. Like many parents, Homily and Pod Clock (played by Marianne Owen and Ian Bell, respectively) protect their daughter, and want to keep her safe from all of the perceived threats of the world above their ceiling.
Rio Codda as Boy and Emily Chisholm as Arrietty ClockPhoto by Chris Bennion
When Arrietty does venture into the space above the floorboards, she meets Boy (played by Rio Codda). They share a curiously intriguing relationship, each wanting to know and understand more about each other, and their respective worlds. I enjoy this aspect of The Borrowers very much. I firmly believe that all people have equal value. I believe that it is through our questioning of the status quo, and truly hearing what each other is really saying, that we gain the insight necessary to bring about life-altering action guided by compassion and respect. The empathy and the resulting action of Boy toward the Clock family is admirable…I know I would do the same.
Emily Chisholm as Arrietty, Marianne Owen as Homily and Ian Bell as Pod ClockPhoto by Chris Bennion
In closing, Seattle Children’s Theatre‘s The Borrowers runs through October 31st, 2010. Recommended for ages 8 and up, it is a great play. I heartily encourage you to attend a performance, and bring a sibling or a friend to share this theatrical experience with. May you never look at the floor beneath your feet the same way.
The Borrowers
Seattle Children's Theatre
Through October 31
Going to Seattle Children's Theatre for the first time? Write us a note about it, and you might win a fabulous prize pack including tons of tickets and memberships to local arts venues. It's the Teen Tix (he)ARTSCrush Adventure Quest! All you have to do is go to this form, write a note (150 words or less) about your experience at a new-to-you arts venue, and hit "Submit." Boom. You're entered to win. Do it over and over and over again and you might get crowned Seattle's Bravest Young Arts-Goer TM. More details here. Good luck!
