A while back, I wrote about the (then upcoming) Coterie Theatre production of Andrew Clements’ Frindle. Basically, I was giving you all a heads up, letting you know of Coterie’s latest show. Now, it’s time to fill you in on how terrific it was! My 8-year-old son and I headed to Crown Center and attended a 10am performance the week before last and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. (He was out of school that day, shocker!)
“I loved it! It was one of the best plays I’ve seen. I really liked it. No, I loved it.” Ahhhh. Spoken from the mouth(s) of babes. Prior to attending, I had no idea what to expect or what the story was even about. My son, on the other hand, was well-versed in all things Frindle, having read the book at school and even doing a project around the central idea of the book.
In a nutshell, Frindle explores the relationship between language and power.The central characters, Nick and Mrs. Granger, are engaged in a power struggle; not a physical one, but one rooted in the control of language. Words. Meanings. Writing. Reading. Nick decides to create his own word, frindle, and before long, other kids in the class begin using it. Before long, there is a national uproar!
It’s a thought-provoking story, and the Coterie actors (both professional and youth apprentice) bring written words to life–as only they can do! I’m continually amazed by the youth actors. They are talented and have a natural stage presence–which is clearly picked up on by the kids in the audience. I was reminded of my grade school days–we’d take field trips to Theatre For Young America and hope to be lucky enough to shake a cast member’s hand or better yet, meet him or her!
I loved hearing the kids laugh out loud and respond to what they were seeing on stage. The stage design itself was cool, too–I later learned that the set was influenced by PBteen and Andy Warhol!
Frindle continues at Coterie Theatre until May 23, 2010. There are still tickets remaining for some of the performances, and you can check their website for availability.
