SEATTLE — “I want The Big Friendly Giant!” That request has been heard from children since the read-aloud book by Roald Dahl was first published in 1982. The story of an amiable giant who comes to the aid of children has stolen the hearts of young and old alike.
In 2002, “The Big Friendly Giant!” played on Seattle Children’s Theatre’s stage to near-record numbers and rave reviews. This season, the theatrical company is reprising it. Judging from recent well-played performances, they’ll receive the same accolades.
SCT is wisely mixing old and new for a fresh look and feel, in a production that captures the heart-warming essence of the much-loved Dahl. Returning are Jennifer Sue Johnson as Sophie and Douglas Paasch as puppet designer and master. New to this production is Charles Leggett, who is amazing as the amiable, gentle Big Friendly Giant. David Wood wrote the well-crafted script and Rita Giomi directs.
And don’t fear if you heard the 2002 play was too scary for the little ones. This year’s production portrays the “bad” giants as clumsy, silly bullies rather than ogres.
The story begins in England, Dahl’s homeland. Sophie, an orphan, wakes in the night, only to be snatched from bed by an unusual creature who calls himself the BFG (Big Friendly Giant.) For the next 90 minutes, in a manner resembling Alice in Wonderland, the two fly to the land of giants, around the world of humans and even into dreamland.
Their first stop is in the land of giants, where a nurturing relationship ensues. BFG assures Sophie that he eats only “snozzcumbers” rather than “human beans.”
It’s not long before the two encounter the bad giants, who plot to steal and devour all the children of the world. Sophie and the BFG join together to defeat their plan. They finally end up at Buckingham Palace, seeking the queen’s help.
Many elements add to the play’s appeal. To show how much bigger than humans the BFG is, Sophie acts many scenes as a puppet that looks like her. Johnson is gifted in manipulating the Sophie puppet while playing her role. The queen also appears as a puppet.
Adults never talk down to children in this play. There is an earnestness and straightforward manner that flows from character to character. That being said, there are a few jokes that elementary kids (and perhaps their parents?) will relate to. The BFG refers to passing gas as whizpopping. Even in the queen’s presence, the BFG practices whizpopping, much to the delight of young audience members.
All in all, this was a super production, aimed at children 5 and older. Those 5 and 6 may not follow the entire plot, but they’ll have fun.
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