Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, January 16, 2009

Seattle Children's Theatre's 'Tomas and the Library Lady' is brief yet effective

By Alice Kalso
Special to The Herald

 SEATTLE -- Tomas is terrified by nightmares. But the Hispanic boy isn't haunted by a boogeyman. Instead, he's paralyzed by the words of the person known as the Nightmare Teacher, an ogre who demands he speak only English:

"Say it, Tommy, 'I will not daydream, be lazy, or speak Spanish!' Say it, say it or I'll get you!"

The Nightmare Teacher and Tomas are characters in Seattle Children's Theatre's new production, "Tomas and the Library Lady." Just 50 minutes long, this play tells a heartwarming story. Thanks to a nurturing family and a librarian who takes time to care, a young migrant boy discovers the joys of books, a new language and writing.

Simple yet effective, the production features a dynamic two-person cast playing multiple roles, lots of ethnic touches and fine visuals and videos that augment the story. Spanish words and entire songs are sprinkled throughout, and the play can be understood by both English- and Spanish-speaking theatergoers.

"Tomas and the Library Lady" is Jose Cruz Gonzalez's stage adaptation of Pat Mora's book, based on the story of Tomas Rivera, son of migrant workers. Rivera's love for learning was sparked by a caring librarian. Pursuing a career in literature and academia, ultimately he was named the youngest chancellor of the University of California-Riverside -- and the first Hispanic.

The story begins when the Rivera family pulls up roots from their home in Crystal City, Texas, traveling 1,300 miles to Hampton, Iowa, where the adults will make their living picking corn, spinach and beets. Their new home resembles a chicken coop. The family's biggest disappointment, though, is having to pull Tomas out of school. Tomas has mixed feelings about school, chiefly because his former teacher appears repeatedly as the Nightmare Teacher. Waking him, she browbeats him for his inability to speak English.

Tomas discovers the town library and meets his mentor, a kind librarian who herself appears to need a friend. They develop a friendship, discussing books and learning each other's language. Tomas takes his newfound knowledge home to his family with positive results. Finally he must teach his librarian friend a new Spanish word: "Adios." His family must follow the crops. Tomas has changed, though, and the Nightmare Teacher's power has lost its grip.

Veteran Seattle actress Amy Thone is strong playing multiple roles: as the nurturing Ama (Mama) who wants the very best for her son, as the inspirational Library Lady and as Tomas' younger brother Enrique.

A newcomer to the Seattle stage is Israel Jimenez, who has played the multiple male roles of this play many times before, during its longrunning tour throughout Arizona with Childsplay, a professional theater company for young audiences and families. Jimenez also brings his personal experience to his performances. When he immigrated to the United States earlier in his life, he struggled learning English. Today his English is flawless.

Projection designer and technical director Michael Hase and project designer Anthony Runfola deserve special recognition for the projections that help tell the story. Two key characters: the scary Nightmare Teacher and the affable teller of stories, Papa Grande (Grandfather), are projected on the screen, and voiced by the two actors. The performances work well.

In addition, computer-­generated visuals keep the action rolling and include scenes of migrant workers picking crops and photographs from the life of the real Tomas Rivera. Finally, a special salute goes to Childsplay artistic director and founder David Saar, who ably directs this play.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA