It’s not quite right to say that “The Book of Everything” is one of the best children’s shows in town.
It’s one of the best shows, period.
This award-winning Aussie production imported by the New Victory Theater is based on a Dutch novel set in 1951 Amsterdam. It tells the story of 9-year-old Thomas, who records his thoughts in a diary he calls “The Book of Everything.”
And Thomas has a lot of material. His religious-fanatic father regularly beats his mother, and browbeats him and his sister. And Thomas is hopelessly in love with his sister’s best friend, Eliza, who has an artificial leg that squeaks when she moves.
“When I grow up, I’m going to be happy,” Thomas declares. Till then, he’s desperate to rescue his mother from his father’s abuse.
He turns to one adult after another, including the self-described “witch” next door. “Happiness begins with not being afraid anymore,” she tells him.
Even Jesus pops by now and then to offer cheeky moral support. “I had problems with my father, too — he was a tough old codger,” he sympathizes. “I won’t let them nail me to that cross ever again.”
Geared for youngsters ages 10 and older, “The Book of Everything” never talks down to its audience. It’s as dark as it is uplifting, as poignant as it is raucously funny.
The young audience at yesterday’s matinee was thoroughly engrossed, screaming encouragement when Thomas’ mother finally stood up to her husband, and cheering when Eliza returned Thomas’ affections. And when Thomas called upon God to summon the plagues of Egypt to punish his father, they gleefully threw the green pingpong balls they were given — they’re supposed to symbolize frogs — at the stage.
The piece has been imaginatively staged by Neil Armfield, the acclaimed director of such grown-up fare as “Exit the King” and “Diary of a Madman,” both starring Geoffrey Rush. Thomas’ diary is represented by a giant book whose pages open to reveal dazzling pop-up illustrations that form much of the scenery.
The entire ensemble is terrific, especially Matthew Whittet, so endearing as Thomas that you’ll want to go onstage and hug him.
It all ends happily, but not so neatly that it doesn’t feel true to life. This “Book of Everything” is warm, witty, wise and wonderful.