 |
| Elizabeth Polen and Enrique Guevara Photo by Tim Trumble |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through November 12th.
"...Pat Mora's children's novel "Tomás & The Library Lady"...shows how the books in a local library opened up a world of adventure for the young son of migrant workers named Tomás. Mora's book was adapted into a one-act stage version by Childsplay in 2006 and they have brought that show back with a gifted cast who create a sweet, simple and straightforward yet poignant production of this true tale. The plot follow Tomás and his family who have temporarily relocated to Iowa from Texas to pick crops. ...One day the young boy wanders into the local library where he meets the sweet Library Lady who exposes him to the endless adventures in the books at his disposal. In turn, Tomás teaches the Library Lady some Spanish words as they form a unique friendship. Mora based the book on a true story in the life of Tomás Rivera,,,José Cruz González adapted the book into a swift-paced 45-minute show that uses both English and Spanish to tell the story. ...Childsplay's production is smartly directed by David Saar who keeps the pace lively and fun before it briefly dips into a slightly more dramatic territory at the end. ...Enrique Guevara and Elizabeth Polen beautifully portray the two main characters as well as members of Tomás' family with ease and dexterity. While this story may play better for younger audience members, the gentle tale of one boy's growing imagination and his friendship with a librarian who is eager to feed his hunger for knowledge is one that anyone with a desire learn new things can relate to.. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
"In many respects, Childsplay’s current production at Tempe Center for the Arts, Tomás and the Library Lady, exemplifies what theatre at Childsplay is really about, perhaps even more so than other productions. It’s not only a case of content that inspires, it’s the production itself. ...Every summer,Tomás (Enrique Guevara) and his family leave their home in Texas and journey north in their rickety truck to Iowa, spending long days in the fields, gathering corn...One day...Tomás discovers the library. ...once he meets the lady librarian (Elizabeth Polen)...Tomás is amazed...with the changing of characters and the way the actors mime their actions, creating the illusion of a real environment, where the imagination is truly stirred. ...Certainly, author Pat Mora’s true story of the young son of migrant workers echoes Childsplay’s overall mission, but there’s more. Its how the story is enacted, the effective simplicity of design, plus the professional level of talent involved, both on stage and behind the scenes. For some young audience members new to Childsplay and live presentations in general, director David Saar’s production should stir an untapped sense of creativity never before experienced. In other words, it’s not only the message of the play that motivates, it’s the thrilling experience of watching live theatre and the willingness to suspend disbelief. The imagination is stirred not only by the tale but by how it’s told." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
No comments:
Post a Comment
In order to avoid spam, comments will be moderated. Anonymous comments no longer will be allowed. If your comment is from an actual person it will be approved and posted in a timely manner.