StoryBook Theater's The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a delightful musical for the fledgling theatergoer. The auditorium was brimming with pint-sized audience members, so I didn't sweat it when my 4-year-old got antsy or asked questions.
Musical director Susan Bardsley introduced the play and went over the rules for being in a theater. She told kids that the actors would need their help singing and dancing, but also let them know that when the actors were speaking to one other up on stage, it was their turn to talk, and the audience should stay quiet and listen.
The kids cooperated beautifully and had a blast singing, dancing and calling out answers to questions. The energetic all-female cast moved throughout the auditorium, and the wolf even pulled a handful of kids on stage with her. My daughter thought it was pretty funny when the duped villagers appeared with rakes and brooms, then returned with vacuum cleaners and other household brick-a-brack to battle the wolf. While the play is all about appealing to little ones, director Lani Brockman peppers the songs and dialogue with puns and other tidbits just for adults.
The sheep were my favorite part. I loved the spin of having them sing about wanting to be independent and think for themselves. Storybook states each play's moral and lesson plainly and clearly for little ones through its songs. Of course, this production is all about the importance of telling the truth so that people can trust you. They also added in a song about how a parent is there to guide and support you even when you make a mistake.
The 55-minute production is just the right length. The kids started to wiggle and squirm during the final, slower song, but were soon up and clapping again as Sam, the boy (or girl in this case) who cried wolf, and sheep reappear singing a peppier song. The actors are talented singers and great entertainers. My daughter said the songs were her favorite part and is looking forward to Storybook's 2012 production of The Frog Prince.
IF YOU GO
Where: Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave.; Everett PUD Auditorium, 2320 California St.; Seattle Museum of History & Industry, McCurdy Park, 2700 24th Ave. E.
When: Everett on Nov. 6; Kirkland on Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20; Seattle on Dec. 4. Performances are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. depending on the day and location.
Admission: $9
Contact: 425-820-1800; www.StoryBookTheater.org
Laura Spruce Wight is a Seattle-area freelance writer and mother of two.
