RTE - Renegade Theatre Experiment: "The BFG"

Ever the rebel, trust that the Renegade Theatre Experiment first children's production would be delightfully creative yet with a proffered edge. The paper-bound book written by Roald Dahl begins with a dark side, one that presented a parent-alienating premise. Seems the main character, Sophie, witnesses the coming and goings of a particular giant, The BFG (The Big Friendly Giant), who then kidnaps her from her bedroom and takes her to the land of the giants. Not normal faire for the innocent and fair. However, his action actually saves her since the other giants love children, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yum. How can you miss with names like Meatdripper, Bonecruncher, Childchewer, Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater, and Gizzardgulper. Yep. Just the crowd to sit down to enjoy a family feast.

Thankfully, the staged production, as adapted by David Wood and directed by Sean C. Murphy, begins with a birthday party. And it's from the simple gift of a book that the family characters decide to put on their own play about The BFG, only with a much gentler, child-friendly approach. While Roald Dahl's writing is dark, the adaptation is sinister-lite and allows parent and child to enjoy the pleasant construct of the fantasy together.

The set was simplistic and the costumes imaginative. The giant antics in costume took over and dominated the stage. The only issue created was muffled speech by the draped cloth. An opening to hear the giants speak would be helpful.

Of the entire ensemble, 27 characters played by 8 actors, only two were in make-up long enough to establish a stage persona. Jean Naughton, as Sophie, was delightful. She uses a doll to represent herself as the size of a child when The BFG and the rest of the giants talk with her. Dean Burgi, The BFG, has many tantalizing tongue twisting verbal tangles by which he expresses himself. Happily you can understand what he says. You also understand that it's child talk. Of course you must listen for the joy of "whizzpopping", the natural effect of carbonation that goes down instead of up. The entire ensemble plays well and is a solid part of the production.

The first act was a bit dawdling in tempo; the second half sharper and clean. Even with its dark side, there is a delicious innocence about the play. It's a short pleasant childlike/adult friendly frolic into the world of children having a storied substance and charm. The show can be recommended to families. Just don't expect a Disney soufflé. More like a bowl of hot chili, pleasing, but with a kick.

"The BFG" by the Renegade Theater Experiment, located at the Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Avenue, San Jose, plays through November 26. For box office information call 351-4440.

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W. Fred Crow is a local music director and frequent attendee of the arts. Contact him atwfredcrow@yahoo.com .