(l-r) Dominique Watkins and Brandi Lee. Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

In this classic Hans Christian Andersen tale, directed and adapted by Amanda Delheimer Dimond in collaboration with Mariana Green, Liz Rice and Brandi Lee (who also plays Thumbelina), we are introduced to little Thumbelina who was born from a flower. She is stolen away from her mother by a greedy toad, and is pursued by all manner of woodland creatures eager to posses her. She must make her way through the great big world with nothing but her wits and will to protect her. A series of whimsical and magical adventures unfolds as she sets out to find a community to call her own and return to her mother.

Lead by amazing ensemble of actors who are all very committed to the show,  THUMBELINA’s pacing moves forward in a thoughtful way which is especially important to a younger audience who does not have the focus that a more mature audience does.

While the costuming and set are minimalistic, the ensemble uses their bodies to make different animals and flowers, and they introduce levels to the stage making it interesting to an older audience as well. Dan Plehal, the choreographer, was very detailed and deliberate in his movement and the children in the audience caught on right away.

The use of puppetry is delightful, and again the whole ensemble works together to bring the puppets to life. Lee has the difficult task lending her voice to a puppet while on stage with the puppet and then refocusing the young audience back to her when it was time. She did this with ease allowing the audience to adjust quickly and not miss anything.

Upon entering the theater, my 6-year-old daughter, Isabella, discovered a small space with some ropes hanging against the walls and the smattering of twinkling lights that she immediately decided were stars. The set was designed by Jacqueline Penrod and although it was very simple, each piece was used specifically for multiple purposes. For example, the ropes were used as a cave, a forest, a window, and a mountain. This, in combination with the lighting and sound, worked beautifully allowing the children to use their imaginations to see what was happening.

Through Dimon’s direction and lovely adaptation, THUMBELINA accomplishes the difficult task of keeping both younger and older children engaged while illustrating  how imagination is all you need to make a story come alive. With the heartwarming theme of being loved as you are—as opposed to what people want you to be—Lifeline has put together a beautiful production that both my daughter and I loved, and we’d recommend it to children and adults alike.