Every once in a while Seattle Children’s Theatre stages a play specifically targeted to an older audience: children 10 years and older.
“Jason and the Golden Fleece,” which opened last weekend, is one such production. It hit the mark, judging by the applause of the multigenerational audience.
Many elements contribute to the play’s success. John Olive’s airtight script springboards on the Greek myth, “Jason and the Argonauts.” However, he adds two companions for Jason, who are young and inexperienced but daring and adventuresome. Another plus: A five-member cast plays multiple roles with enthusiasm and skill. Add some well-designed puppets and able direction by Rita Giomi, and the result is 90 minutes of instruction and entertainment.
The play begins in the city of Thessaly. Young Jason, played by Lathrop Walker, has just arrived to avenge the deaths of his father and mother at the hands of his Uncle Pelias, who took the throne on Jason’s parents’ death. King Pelias is ready to take Jason’s life when Jason makes a bargain. He will travel to faraway Colchis to capture the famed Golden Fleece, which has magical powers. When Jason returns with the fleece, King Pelias, who is old by now, will give him the kingdom.
Jason faces obstacles from day one. The ramshackle ship that Pelias provides isn’t exactly seaworthy. And Jason has no crew. Enter Argos, a wizened old man, who fixes up the ship. Two people join Jason’s band. Young Hercules, well played by Shawn Telford, is strong, good-natured but somewhat fearful. Young Orpheus, also well developed by Renata Friedman, is a budding poet who brings a touch of class to the group.
Isle-hopping ensues on the way to Colchis. The band bonds as they encounter mythical creatures at every turn. They meet a Harpy, who keeps the blind seer Phineus captive. Hercules frees Phineus and imprisons the Harpy in a cage. The crew docks on the island of Lemnos, which is inhabited solely by female warriors. Their queen attempts to capture Jason with the intention of keeping the men there for the rest of their lives.
In the second act, Jason proves himself as leader and warrior as they face more adventures, with the climax being the seizing of the golden fleece. This powerful scene takes place in a cave features a glowing oversized golden fleece guarded by a huge puppet dragon.
When the play ends, Jason is king, with new knowledge about friendship, bravery and leadership
Kudos to set designer Matthew Smucker for the minimalistic yet effective set.
Costume designer Deb Trout gets high marks for costuming, which takes the audience back to ancient Greece.
“Jason and the Golden Fleece”
7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 26. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St., Seattle. $16 to $32, 206-441-3322, www.sct.org.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
