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Language is created, not dictated. Frindle, a beloved children's book by Andrew Clements, earnestly emphasizes this point. Frindle has been adapted for the stage by William Massolia and is being performed at the Coterie Theatre until May 23^rd.

The story revolves around a young student, Nick, who comes up with a new word for "pen" after being accidentally inspired by his stern language arts teacher, Mrs.Granger. When every kid in the school starts using the word, Nick and Mrs.Granger engage in a power struggle about how words should be created and used.

The novel was fascinating, in that it predated internet isms like "googled" and "friended" by at least five years. Clements inadvertently predicted an influx of new words, and gave us a unique perspective on the English language. I remember reading Frindle in grade school, so seeing the story on stage was exciting. Today, examples of new words are so abundant that we seldom stop and think about how our language is constantly changing.

James Holborow's set was the first thing I noticed. There was a collage of words on the wall, and giant letter shaped blocks that eventually spelled out "frindle". It was fun. I'm sure it took great self-restraint for the kid audience not to jump up and go climb on those letters. During the performance, the letters were creatively rearranged to resemble desks, benches, chairs, and drugstore counters. Along with Art Kent's lighting design and some imagination, many different locations were created.

Blocking was loose, and occasionally messy or muddled. For example, in the home scenes, it seemed awkward that Principal Chatham got the only chair (the letter "r"), and everyone else hovered above her while she threatened expulsion.

The visual was a bit abstract, but never became exaggerated. From the Coterie press release, director Ernie Nolan commented, "I think the audience will see something really cool and contemporary. It speaks to young people without being a fairy tale or overblown cartoon." Kelly Kasper's costumes were hip, but often played to character stereotypes. Ron Megee supplied the frindles, and other props.

Among the actors were a few younger performers who supplied the bulk of the story, with most of the adults drifting in and out as colorful characters. The main adult presence was Peggy Friesen, who played Mrs.Granger. Friesen did a marvelous job of playing a stern teacher without being unlikable. She was riveting on stage, and an excellent foil to Cooper Scott's Nick. Scott's movement and delivery was dead-on, and he fit this role very nicely.

Melanie Humphrey, Aaron Branch and Nick Grant played the other students with enthusiasm, and had some great comic bits. Mom and Dad, played by Molly Denninghoff and Alex Espy respectively, were very nice parents. Maybe too nice. Principal Chatham, Jennie Greenberry, was frustrated, but ineffective to stop Nick's shenanigans. Kevin Albert's janitor was hilarious, as was Corrie Van Ausdal's "Today Show Reporter" and Jeff Newman's blue-haired guy.

I really enjoyed the show. It may have been a little slow for the little girl bouncing around next to me, but it would be perfect for elementary aged kids. For anyone who read and loved the book, it was a great adaptation. For anyone new to the story, it's a great way to spend an afternoon.

REVIEW
Coterie Theatre
Frindle
Runs April 6 to May 23
Crown Center, Level One
2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 144, Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-474-6552 or online at www.coterietheatre.org

Top photo: Nick (Cooper J. Scott) has big ideas in the Coterie Theatre's Frindle.