Theater review: Lots of sparks in College of Marin’s charming ‘Firework-Maker’s Daughter’
A spunky young woman goes on a quest for a magical ingredient that may enable her to save her father from a horrible fate in “The Firework-Maker’s Daughter,” a College of Marin drama department production running through Dec. 11.
A fairytale by Philip Pullman, adapted by veteran British writer Stephen Russell and directed by COM’s Lisa Morse, it’s a surprisingly engaging, high-energy production in the small downstairs Studio Theatre in the James Dunn building.
Attendees will find themselves bewitched immediately by Huda Al-Jamal’s elaborate set design of “a faraway, magical land” of no specific identity but definitely evocative of south Asia. There we meet master firework-maker Lalchand (Grisha Driscoll) and his daughter and apprentice Lila (Ariana Giacomazzi), who hopes to exceed her father at his art and craft. Their otherwise happy land is ruled by a cruel king (Christopher Harney), who demands subservience from all his subjects and is fond of dishing out arbitrary punishments just to prove his power.
An upcoming fireworks competition may give Lila a chance to show her mettle, but her father insists that she must acquire some “royal sulfur,” a rare ingredient that requires her to go on an arduous solo journey — including climbing a mountain, crossing a river and passing through a jungle populated with malevolent spirits. Spectacular puppetry, also by Al-Jamal, and clever shadow play at the rear of the theater convey much of Lila’s ordeal, one that includes repeated interactions with a threatening band of pirates.
There’s trouble everywhere for Lila, whose father is thrown into prison in her absence and who can be saved only if she wins the competition. Giacomazzi tackles her role with infectious enthusiasm that seems to be shared by all 18 members of the cast, who compensate with great energy what they may lack in theatrical finesse. Among the most impressive is Connor Farrell, who brings an amazing degree of gravitas to the role of Hamlet, the white elephant. Lila’s friend and helpmate Chulak (Adonis Reyes, a veteran of several COM shows) pitches in at key moments, as do the river pirates, who prove to be both her aides and adversaries.
Many classic elements of adventure stories, redemption stories and fairytales are beautifully woven into this energetically performed and elegantly directed production: a potentially life-threatening and life-saving quest, obscure magical ingredients, helpful and harmful mysterious chance encounters and incomprehensible high-minded advice.
In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy and her companions go on just such a quest — the Tin Man seeking a heart, the Scarecrow seeking a brain, the Cowardly Lion seeking courage and Dorothy seeking a way home.
All of this and more falls upon the adventurous Lila in this lovely rendition of “The Firework-Maker’s Daughter.” Suitable for all ages, it’s a dazzling and delightful lead-in to the winter holiday season.
Barry Willis is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association and president of the SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. Contact him at barry.m.willis@gmail.com
IF YOU GO
What: “The Firework-Maker’s Daughter”
Where: College of Marin, Studio Theatre, James Dunn Building, 835 College Ave., Kentfield
When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. weekend
Admission: $10 to $25 (children under age 6 are free)
Information: pa.marin.edu/blog/firework-makers-daughter
More: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required. Masks recommended.
Rating (out of five stars): ★★★ 1/2