SEATTLE – She watches as her brother is lashed by a slave master’s whip. She sees her family torn apart. More than anything, Addy Walker longs to be free.
Nine-year-old Addy is the lead character in Seattle Children’s Theatre’s season finale, a winning world premiere of “Addy: An American Girl.” Seattle playwright Cheryl West adapted the script from the Addy books, which are part of the ever-popular American Girl historical novel series.
At last weekend’s opening, eight-year-olds, octogenarians and everyone in between sat riveted for 90 minutes of high drama. They saw the grim realities of the Civil War through the eyes of a young girl who fled a tobacco plantation in North Carolina to start a new life in Philadelphia. When the play ended, the audience gave the production a much-deserved standing ovation.
The 10-member cast was outstanding in their respective roles as they illuminated the Walkers’ struggle for freedom, a fight which they shared with countless other families during the Civil War.
Set designer Carey Wong deserves high marks for the striking visuals projected on screens. These included black and white photos of battle scenes and of Lincoln’s funeral procession.
The story opens in 1864 near the end of the Civil War. The Walker family is preparing to flee north when Addy’s father and brother are suddenly sold. Addy’s mother forges ahead with the plan and leaves with Addy, hoping to reunite the family later. Unfortunately, they must leave the baby in the care of an aunt.
Once in Philadephia, Addy finds her new home a mixed bag. She seeks solace in a bubbly girl, Sarah, who absolutely sparkles and soon becomes Addy’s friend. Sarah is exceptionally well portrayed by Felicia Vonshell Loud.
Yet freedom also has its costs. On the streets, blacks are not always well-treated. And at school, Addy must face self-centered Harriet, well played by Tanesha Ross. Harriet, herself a free black, snubs the runaway slaves, considering them less than equals.
Addy perseveres. Winning the spelling bee, teaching her mother to read and sharing her possessions with the less fortunate all point to Abby’s growing maturity and wisdom beyond her years.
Eventually, Addy’s family is reunited at the war’s end. Yet it is a bittersweet event. Abby’s brother has lost an arm, and her beloved President Lincoln has been assassinated.
Nevertheless, the play ends on a hopeful note.
Thanks to many elements – direction by Linda Hartzell, a well-written script, fine acting and authentic period costumes by Melanie Taylor Burgess, to name a few – this production finishes the season with a flourish.
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