“The Borrowers” description – a resourceful little family living under the floorboards – was enough to hook my 5 and 7-year-olds, even though they were not familiar with the book series that has stood the test of time. This was the first time that we’ve seen a performance recommended for ages 7+. While my younger daughter certainly enjoyed it, I could definitely see a difference in the vocabulary, length (there was an intermission) and subject matter, which was a little heavier than I recalled. I was initially concerned that the British accents of the characters would be distracting for the kids, but it wasn’t an issue.
Dad Pod, mom Homily, and 14-year old daughter Arrietty keep a tidy home a level below. The pinch-faced and shrill housekeeper Mrs. Driver is the character that audience loves to hate. Enter a 10-year old boy who comes to live with his relatives and recover from a long illness. He spots Pod during an excursion to secure a new teacup, and so begins a series of adventures for the little family. As the play guide notes, dreamer Arrietty “gets a bigger adventure than she bargained for,” and the family strives to overcome adversity. I’m sure that it’s no accident that ImaginOn placed the display of Elizabeth Martin’s expansive dollhouse near the entrance, providing a fun and relevant stop on our way out.
There was enough slapstick humor and overacting to get the kids laughing out loud. The actors were great, but the wild and outdoorsy character “Dreadful Spiller” enjoyed the opportunity to ham it up and entertain the audience by mimicking Homily’s started screams (repeatedly). The kids have been mimicking him all day, taking turns screaming in each other’s faces. Ah, the value of cultural experiences.
“The Borrowers,” based on the book series by Mary Norton, is playing at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte through Sunday, February 5, with a sign-language performance on Saturday, February 4. Tickets are $18-$24. For more information, visit: http://www.ctcharlotte.org/Borrowers.html
