Image from www.theatreivrichmond.org
My children LOVE Roald Dahl‘s stories. Dahl’s ability to grab a child’s imagination and bring a story to life was captured by Theatre IV‘s production of The BFG (Big Friendly Giant). ” The BFG”, wrriten by Roald Dahl and adapted for the stage by David Wood is running at the Empire Theatre from February 18 – March 6, 2011 and is part of the Acts of Faith Festival.
Young Sophie is celebrating her birthday when they learn the entertainment will not be arriving. Sophie decides to act out the story of The BFG with her friends and family and the play is set inside Sophie’s imagination.
Sophie, played by Ellie Wilson, was an incredible delight. My kids giggled with her and were concerned about her well being.
The twisted of language of the BFG, played by David Bridgewater, never confused my children but instead had them listening and laughing. They were delighted by the Whizpoppers and equally disgusted by the snozzcombers.
The colorful monsters with their bright colors and playful movements created a thrilling element without scaring children.
Susan Sanford, as a dancing teacher and the Queen of England had my kids cracking up and when partnered with Ali Thibideau, as the maid, it sticks with my kids as one of their favorite parts.
Paul S. Major, Augustin J. Correro and Cooper Timberline round out this perfect size cast. The small cast correlates perfectly with the storytelling aspect of the play.
My kids held their breath as the BFG captured dreams awed by the incredible lighting which truly have the kids believing the BFG has dreams in his jars. In addition to the lighting, the smoke and rotating scenery were key to building the dreamy story.
My youngest is 2.5 years old and he started to get antsy before intermission but clearly understood and enjoyed the play; before bed last night he asked if the BFG was going to bring him good dreams and wondered which colors they would be. The older kids (ages 4, 6, 7, and 
were pleased the story honored one of their favorite books. We had not even left The Empire Theatre before my kids were asking to see The BFG again.
I would encourage those with younger children to attend a 2:00pm showing as The BFG does run a bit longer than some of the other shows this season. If you’d like to come to a night-time showing, Richmondmom.com is hosting a “Buy One Get One Free” ticket night for The Big Friendly Giant on Friday, February 25 at 7pm.
CALL (804) 282-2620
Single Tickets: $14-$18
Groups of 15+: $12 – $16 (Call Joy at 783-1688 ext. 1142)
Purchase Tickets!
About Kate Semp
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