BWW Reviews: SINBAD: THE UNTOLD TALE at Imagination Stage

The first thing you will notice when you walk into Imagination Stage lately is the absolutely beautiful, geometric, colorful set. As noted in previous reviews, there is something to love about feeling like you are transferred elsewhere from the moment the house opens. It just adds to the show. Combine it with a positive story that is so needed to be told, and SINBAD: AN UNTOLD TALE has the potential for a great young audiences show.

Set in Baghdad, Charles Way's SINBAD: AN UNTOLD TALE tells of Sinbad the Sailor (RICARDO FREDERICK EVANS), who has returned from his travels and is living a quieter life with his daughter. When a sorceress arrives in Baghdad and puts all the adults to sleep, Sinbad's spoiled, somewhat sequestered daughter Ittifaq (COURTNEY FERGUSON) and lower class Sinbad the Porter (CHRISTOPHER WILSON) must cease their initial arguing and save their home city from ruin.

Charles Way's script and story should assuredly be praised for bringing a tale form Baghdad that is hopeful and relatable. It is painted as enchanting but busy, a place that is home to so many. It gives that part of the world magic and history that children just don't get to see.

From a plot standpoint, I have to note that the two main characters aren't entirely likable for the better part of the show. Ittifaq is harsh and lofty, Sinbad the Porter a little clueless and money-driven. However, if these slightly inflated attitudes and their changes register with younger kids, it's not the worst thing. There are a few moments where very small children had to look away, or parents had to check with them. There is a scene of blood being drawn, and a few of the evil ensemble characters may look slightly intimidating to little ones. The language and references are definitely aimed at older children, but it didn't seem to lose younger attentions too much.

Ferguson and Wilson lead a solid cast of actors, and characters that add to the fun. Ferguson's Ittifaq is unyielding and driven. Wilson's Sinbad the Porter is funny and, as you'd expect any teenager to be, inherently conflicted. SARAH PRETZ is mystifying as sorceress Jan Shah, and RAFAEL UNTALAN gets all the laughs as the very literal genie Abu Nuwas.

As previously stated, Scenic Designer NATSU ONODA POWER's creation on the stage is richly detailed. Actors move a geometric set of platforms to transform them into the center square of Baghdad, Sinbad's home, a boat and a cave. There are lovely colors and patterns all over, and funny enough, signs for well-known restaurant chains in Arabic. The only hiccup with this structure is that some of the pieces didn't look like they were entirely stable, and transitions when they were being moved made me wonder how heavy these are.

Lighting Designer ZACHARY GILBERT and Sound Designer CHRISTOPHER BAINE add to the richness of what surrounds the actors with patterned lighting effects symbolizing water, and upbeat music that helps the pace of the show as all of the pieces are moved.

With SINBAD: AN UNTOLD TALE, Imagination Stage gives another strong show that teaches its audiences both valuable lessons about working together, making decisions and being kind. Its rich design, engaging cast and international story make the time spent in this world something to enjoy for all.

SINBAD: AN UNTOLD TALE plays through May 29th and is recommended for ages 5 and older. For more information, visit the production page.

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