The Railway Children : An enjoyable journey through the children’s memories at the OLT.
Photo. Maria Vartanova
Transposing from one medium to another is always challenging. Yet, The Railway Children has been made into a movie — several times — has been a radio play and, since 2008, a stage play by Mike Kenny. Adapting the Edith Nesbit’s children’s classic to the stage carries particular challenges. First, the storyline is episodic in nature, which can hamper the flow. Then, Nesbit, a committed socialist and one of the founders of the Fabian Society, uses the children’s adventures as a political platform. In addition, because The Railway Children is the youngsters’ view of the events that led to their family’s drastic change of fortunes, it requires a dusting of wonder in its delivery.
The Ottawa Little Theatre production, as directed by Jim McNabb, keeps the focus firmly on the three young adults playing the children. Katherine Norland, as Roberta, the oldest, Elie Dib, as Peter, and especially Alexandria Hodgson as eight-year-old Phyllis, are all believable in their sibling rivalry and, more important, in their childlike innocence and enthusiasm.
Ably supported by Irish O’Brien as their mother, Barry Daley as Perks the stationmaster and the rest of the ensemble, this production has considerable charm as family entertainment.
To work in conjunction with the episodic recollections, Graham Price has designed a multi-segmented set. The complexities of juggling set pieces (this is the only time that I have seen work attributed to a set choreographer (Becky Mardell)) and fast costume changes are generally smoothly handled. The only costume choice that is awkward rather than effective is a mini-suit pinned on as a bib on one of the characters, who kneels, apparently to give the impression that he is a small child. Another issue on opening night was that gaps between the set segments exposed actors changing costume accessories. In addition, individuals not in costume also peeped out before curtain time to check on the audience — a definite downer in preparing viewers for an otherwise enjoyable journey through the children’s memories.
The Railway Children continues at Ottawa Little Theatre to December 13.
Adapted for the stage by Mike Kenny
Based on the 1906 novel by Edith Nesbit
Ottawa Little Theatre
Director: Jim McNabb
Set and lighting: Graham Price
Sound: Bradford MacKinlay and Nelson Maloney
Costumes: Peggy Laverty
Cast:
Roberta………………………………………….Katherine Norland
Peter…………………………………………….Elie Dib
Phyllis…………………………………………..Alexandria Hodgson
Mother………………………………………….Irish O.Brien
Father/Doctor…………………………………..Bill Milner
Cook/Mrs. Viney……………………………….Ann Scholberg
Butler/Szezcpansky……………………………..Sasha Chichagov
Maid/Mrs. Perks…………………………………Becky Mardell
Inspector/Old Gentleman………………………..Ian Fraser
Perks……………………………………………..Barry Daley
Jim/District Superintendent……………………..Jesse Lalonde
Roustabouts……………….Meagan McDonald, Alexander MacKenzie, Isabelle McGrath