BWW Reviews: National Children's Theatre Off to Strong Start with Dahl's THE BFG

For years now, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, specifically its Theater for Young Audiences division, has been the sole arts institution in Washington, DC proper to continuously deliver tremendously high quality, professional theatrical productions intended for the next generation of theatregoers. Now, parents and school teachers in the District have even more opportunities to expose children to the arts with the establishment of the National Children's Theatre - itself an alliance of Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland and the historic National Theatre in Washington, DC's Penn Quarter. The National Children's Theatre's first outing is indeed a strong one. David Wood's adaptation of Roald Dahl's much beloved children's book The BFG is sure to delight this important theatergoing crowd at the National Theatre, just as it did in 2014 at Imagination Stage.

The BFG is a tale that teaches children that it doesn't matter how big or how small you are, or what you look like. It is possible for anyone, even an orphan in England like Sophie (Megan Graves), to change the course of the world for the better if one has the courage to do so.

When we first meet Sophie, she can't sleep. The Big Friendly Giant (or the BFG for short, lovably played by James Konicek) is outside of her orphanage window doing what he usually does - keeping dreams (the good and the bad) and sharing the good ones with the children that might need them. She sees the tall creature. At first afraid, she subsequently realizes he's a harmless and friendly sort who is more than willing to give her the attention and affection she needs. He takes her away to his home. The other giants who live there, it seems, are not like the BFG at all. They don't want to help children. They want to eat them and everyone else. The BFG continues to give good dreams to other children like Rebecca (Maggie Wilder) and Sam (Jon Hudson Odom), but he too realizes something must be done to stop what's about to happen to the children he loves so much. Sophie joins forces with the BFG - and, of all people, the Queen of England (Susan Lynskey) - to prevent the malicious giants from ingesting everyone in sight. Unexpected players do unexpected good - all for the betterment of the world.

While there is an endearing story at the center of Wood's script and, of course, the source material - even if it is a bit too reliant on jokes about bodily functions and could use some tightening in parts - the real stars of the National Children's Theatre's realization of it are Eric J. Van Wyk's puppets. Although the ginormous and exceedingly detailed creations are probably best viewed in center, mid or rear orchestra instead of the front, extreme sides where I was sitting, they are sure to delight pretty much everyone. Konicek, along with a talented group of other actors and puppeteers, bring these giants and other puppets to life in a fantastically creative, yet precise way. As they prance upon Van Wyck's storybook set, complemented by fairytale-like projections, theatrical lighting (Jason Arnold), and suspenseful, but fun music (Christopher Baine), it's quite easy to be enchanted.

Speaking of enchanting, that's how I might also describe Ms. Graves' childlike performance of the fierce, brave, and good-hearted Sophie. Together, she and Mr. Konicek make quite the adorable pair of misfits. Susan Lynskey, always a standout when she plays the DC stages, brings the comedy in her portrayal of the regal, but quirky Queen of England, adorning Jeffrey Stolz's frilly costumes. Together, they triumph over challenging circumstances and it's easy to root for their success.

Similarly, it's quite easy to root for the success of the National Children's Theatre if this inaugural production, directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer and Eric J. Van Wyk, is indicative of the kind of work it will bring to our community.

Running Time: 75 minutes with no intermission.

THE BFG plays the National Theatre - 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW in Washington, DC - through July 25, 2015. For ticket and other information, click here.

Photo: Megan Graves, James Konicek; By Margot Schulman.