by Cyndie Maxwell

Every few years, Kings Players produce a show that features mostly young people, and we have a good one for you. Unlike past shows that were based on fairy tales or childlike themes filled with costumes and silliness, The Children’s Story is a cautionary, thought provoking story that occurs in a soon-to-be dystopian society – or at least that’s what you may surmise after seeing it. The place: A fifth grade classroom somewhere in America. The time: a morning after the war. The war which we lost.

“The Children’s Story …… but not just for children” is a short story (1963) written by James Clavell who is best known for such novels as Shogun, Noble House, Tai Pei, and King Rat. His inspiration came when his six-year-old daughter came home from school and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. It struck him that, although she had memorized it, she had no idea what the words meant. Clavell felt that anyone, young or old, who lacked a true understanding of their own beliefs could fall victim to subversion – the subtle, soft-spoken, smiling kind of subversion which can deceive. In 1963, it was adapted for the stage by George Selden.

Cast of Kings Players show “The Children’s Show”

RaeLynn Royer from Too Soon for Daises and The Dining Room and Kenzie Mccollough from Little Women play the only two adults. They are the former teacher and the new, well-prepared replacement teacher respectively. Even Jorgens, Brynn Johnson, Donovan Ray, Henry Van Gemert, and Karlie Price from Hanford; Casey Minnig and Danielle Chwaleh from Lemoore; and Salma Alatorre from Kettleman City complete the fifth grade class of unsuspecting students. They are an awesome group of kids that have a wide range of stage experience. A couple have never done anything like this before, while a few are members of the Hanford Multi Cultural Theater Company (HMTC) directed by Sylvia Gonzalez.

At play’s end there will be a surprise vocalist, Jay Salyer. Oops! Guess it’s not a surprise anymore. Our well-known, local tenor will wrap a bow around this play in a way that audiences will not soon forget!

Please consider making your reservations early. Kings Players’ final two weekends are often sold out, and they regretfully must turn folks away.

TEMPLE THEATRE: 514 Visalia Street, Hanford, CA
SHOW DATES: Aug. 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, & Sept. 1
SHOW TIMES: Fridays/Saturdays – 7:30 p.m. Sundays – 2 p.m.
RESERVATIONS: kingsplayers.org
QUESTIONS/HELP: (559) 584-7241

If you love local theatre, be sure to check out our new Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. You can check the podcast out on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and Google Play, and also on podbean. Also check out our other theatre articles and reviews in our Arts and Entertainment section.