Seattle Children’s Theatre presents “I’ll Be Your Superhero,”a sweet, funny, heartbreaking drama that reframes real-life hardships as opportunities for growth, strength and empowerment. Of course, there are plenty of superheroes for those excited by masked avengers, but the story’s moral cuts through the shiny plastic toys to reveal the beauty of familial bonds and the sacrifices we make for those we love. Not all superheroes wear capes, but we always know their names.
David Pedraza as Xavier and Jaime José Hernández as John John in I’ll Be Your Superhero. Photo by Truman Buffett (Shoot From The Hip Photography).
A super synopsis
Xavier (David Pedraza) is a 10-year-old boy in the midst of major upheaval. His mother has disappeared, and he has been sent to live with his Marine veteran uncle John John (Jaime José Hernández), a single guy who’s just set up house in San Diego. At first, the two dance around each other, working through their feelings about the unexpected situation. But John John and Xavier share a love that, once revealed, solidifies their connection. They both love comic books and all things superheroes!
As uncle and nephew unpack their emotions, they also unbox John John’s extensive collection of figurines and collectibles, which they display around the home. Xavier extols the virtues of Marvel; John John counters with the nobility of DC Comics. Their shared obsession reaches a fever pitch when they score highly competitive tickets to the world-renowned Comic Con.
In the months leading up to the convention, Xavier and John John work together to create some pretty spectacular homemade costumes. They also grow alongside one another, revealing their weaknesses, overcoming their fears, and learning to be trusty sidekicks on the battlefield of life.
(Shoot From The Hip Photography).
Complex emotions, lassoed by love
Though nothing would frighten younger viewers, the recommended age is 8 for a reason. This production touches on several difficult concepts and relays some heavy themes and ideas that require the nuance and knowledge of slightly older elementary-aged kids.
Xavier’s mother, who does not appear in the show and is struggling with undisclosed mental health issues, abandons him, forcing John John to sacrifice his own recovery post-deployment to ensure his nephew has a safe place to land, even if the uncle isn’t fully on solid ground himself. There is a fireworks scene that showcases John John’s struggles with PTSD. Shadows of marching military men project onto the stage, forcing the veteran to curl into a fetal position while Xavier comforts him. It’s one of the show’s more heartbreaking moments, and it also required some explaining for the 1st and 3rd graders I had with me.
However, levity is sprinkled throughout to counterbalance the somber moments. Hernández and Pedraza have a lively chemistry on stage. They commit to the physical comedy and the script’s sillier moments with the utmost vigor. John John, as a character, was written with such love and care. Hernández imbues that paternal sentiment in his performance alongside Pedraza. And, of course, the superhero theme offers viewers colorful, exciting visuals through stage props and set décor.
Written by José Casas, “I’ll Be Your Superhero” is part of The BIPOC Superhero Project, a national collaboration that amplifies diverse voices. This show does precisely that, incorporating Spanish dialogue that adds authenticity to the story and its characters. It also highlights the reality for many children who may not have the traditional “American nuclear family”. Love, the story postulates, is the only requisite for kinship.
In the play’s final moments, my 6-year-old asked if Xavier’s mom was “going to come get him”. When I told her that she may not appear by the end of the show, the look of dawning realization and second-hand grief was legible across my daughter’s face, a testament to the power of this story and its fragile handling, both of which are sure to open the door to conversations well after the curtain falls.
Talk about it: Points to discuss before and after the show
- Before: What is a superhero? What does a superhero look like, and what can they do?
- Before: What is a family? What does a family look like?
- After: Who were the superheroes in this production? Did they do everything you expected?
- After: What did the family in this production look like? What key elements defined this vision of a family?
Know before you go
The show runs through November 1, with a variety of morning and evening showtimes.
- Runtime is approximately 65 minutes without an intermission.
- All ages welcome. Content is aimed at children ages 8+.
- Sensory-Friendly Performance is Sunday, October 17 at 2:00 p.m.
- Access/Audio Described, ASL Interpreted Performance is Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas Street, Seattle 98109
- Garage and street parking are available for a fee. Give yourself ample time if there is an event at Climate Pledge Arena.
