Submitted by Rebekah Finn for Harlequin Productions
With everything going on in the world today, it is more important than ever that we focus on raising children who are compassionate and understanding of their fellow human beings. With this in mind, my husband and I encourage our son to not only make friends and be kind to his classmates, but also to enjoy books and stories that give him insight into how other people think and feel and live. For us, theater has been an important and enjoyable medium for exercising our empathy muscles as well as our intellectual health.
Our son’s first live theater adventure was a wonderful 2016 production of Frog and Toad at the Olympia Family Theater. I actually teared up seeing his little face light up in wonder at the magical lighting effects and heartwarming acting. Since then, he has been enthusiastic about attending more live shows. So when I heard that Harlequin’s production of Cymbeline was going to include a robot, I thought it could be a perfect opportunity to introduce my son to the “grown up theater.”
When the day came to attend the matinee, my son and I were both a little nervous. What if the show was too scary, too boring, or too difficult to understand? I knew I was being a bit ambitious by taking a six-year-old boy to see a Shakespeare play, and I was concerned about him disrupting the experience of the other audience members.
Admittedly, the first act moved a little slowly for the little one’s attention span. After the first scene or two, I heard a little whisper in my ear, “Are they just going to talk?” But for the adults, all this “just talking” was essential for setting up the narrative. It also gave us a few minutes to get acclimated to the vocabulary and cadence of Shakespeare’s language before any major plot twists. It was understandable that a young boy might be expecting a little more action from a show with a robot. Fortunately, the second half would give him just that.
Intermission came just in time for us to have a much needed potty break and chance to stretch our legs. After quenching our thirst and hunger for a sweet treat, we chatted with a friend and got out some of our wiggles. I knew that my munchkin was going to have a hard time sitting for very much longer, so we agreed that he could quietly excuse himself to the lobby if he needed. I had reserved our seats for the very last row, so he was able to slip out and return without passing in front of any other audience members. After missing the most violent scene,—there is a pretty graphic severed head that might disturb some children—my boy was engaged by the picked up pace and action in the second half.
Overall, he enjoyed the show and was glad to be able to take breaks when he needed to. And I was proud of his willingness to stick it out and stay respectful throughout. His favorite part? As expected, he thought the robot was pretty cool. He even stayed and participated in the talkback discussion. Raising his hand, he told the panel, “If it was blue instead of silver, the robot would look like Megaman.” (A huge shoutout here to Pisanio actor Christian Doyle for agreeing with him and engaging in that conversation!) Unexpectedly, my little one was also utterly charmed by young actor Ben Churchwell who plays a young boy and musician in the production. Munchkin loved seeing a kid onstage, and Churchwell’s song with his guitar was especially captivating. In the talkback, Churchwell admitted that he learned more about iambic pentameter in a few hours of rehearsal than he had in weeks of English class. Nothing will encourage a young child’s curiosity more than seeing a teenager enjoy something, so thank you Ben Churchwell for having so much fun with Shakespeare and sharing that experience with us!
All in all, I don’t think I could have expected a smoother or more enjoyable first Shakespeare experience for my son. Most importantly, his fascination with live theater continues to grow, and he’s still interested in trying Shakespeare again when he’s a little older.
As for me, I’m ready to enjoy Shakespeare again this weekend! I’m looking forward to having a little more relaxing experience with adult companions this time. I might even enjoy a glass of the intriguing signature cocktail: the neon blue “Queen’s Elixir.” Won’t you join me?
Book your tickets now by calling the Box Office at 360-786-0151 or stop by at 202 4th Ave. E in downtown Olympia. For more information and to subscribe for the 2018 season, and visit the Harlequin Productions website.
