Thumbelina
In this adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tale, all of the town's children gather round a traveling storyteller to hear the story of a wayward little fairy girl. When an old woman wishes on a magic flower, her heart's desire for a child of her own literally blossoms before her eyes. Her magical little girl, only a few inches high, is named Thumbelina, and although the friendly child is very helpful around the house, and very kind to the nearby forest creatures, she just doesn't feel as if she fits in. A gossipy Frog Lady convinces Thumbelina that she should journey across the meadow and find her "real" family. Aided by a surly, one-eyed mouse named Uncle Jack, Thumbelina goes on the adventure of a lifetime, encountering a jealous mole, a mischievous goblin, a snobby pixie, and a sinister spider. Yet, with each obstacle, Thumbelina finds a cheerful solution, and makes many friends along the way. By the time she finds an entire clan of people her size, she realizes where her heart truly belongs: back at home, with the mother that gave her life with a magical wish. Performance time about an hour.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT WADE BRADFORD
TALKS ABOUT "THUMBELINA"
Q.: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS ADAPTATION?
A.: I love Hans Christian Andersen. "Thumbelina" was a story that always fascinated me. As a kid, I loved anything that was about animals or tiny creatures living in a big world.
Q.: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A.: I love the old field mouse, Jack. He is very disgruntled yet lovable.
Q.: WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART IN CREATING THIS ADAPTATION?
A.: Dealing with the ending. In the original version, Thumbelina is taken from her mother (by the mean frogs) and never returns home. She eventually marries a prince and we are left wondering what has become of her human mother. Last year, when I read the story to my little girls, I thought: "Hey, what about the Mom?! She's probably worried sick about Thumbelina!"
Q.: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A.: I wanted to create a show that could offer a lot of fun, imaginative parts for a large number of actors. The role of Thumbelina is a great part, but so is the mole, Jack, the Mice, the Moth, and Miss Fra-Lula Frog.
Q.: ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY?
A.: I'd like to thank the kids from Canyon Theatre Guild. They starred in the world premiere of "Thumbelina," and they did a terrific job!