Grandma Noda’s Tigers is a unique gem of a play that touches on everything from the impermanence of worldly things to the enduring, endearing quality of love and forgiveness. Not bad for a 55-minute puppet show that speaks to everyone from the very young to the very old. From the first ethereal ping of the chimes to the final, haunting strains of the sweet potato man’s song, Grandma Noda’s Tigers holds the audience completely spell bound. It’s amazing to watch actor/playwright Chris Little bring to life two-inch figurines. In his hands, these tiny, inanimate objects develop astonishing personalities. Imagine, if you can, a squat, armless Fisher-Price figurine becoming a gruff bar keep, wiping the counter in disgust, or a mess of string on a stick becoming a lively, lovable dog. This play is filled with wonders such as these. My favourite moment of the play came when its hero, Hiro, realizes he’s done something very bad and he surveys the scene “with a dark heart.” “With a dark heart” a small voice intoned thoughtfully and seriously from the audience. How wonderful to see how theatre opens young minds!
Where: Neptune studio Theatre
When: May 6 and 8 at 7pm, May 9 at 3pm
Tickets: $20 to $25