Jennings, Coleman A. Theatre for Young Audiences: 20 Great Plays for Children. St. Martin’s, 1998. ISBN 0-312-18194-9. $35.00. 604 pp. A Reviewed by Nancy Hovasse Rabin, Arnold, The Man-Child. 5+. The Man-Child opens with the hustle and bustle surrounding the eve of Allen’s Bar Mitzvah. Miriam, Allen’s widowed mother, makes every effort to ensure that the occasion is perfect. Stealing away from her preparations, she presents her son with his late father’s own gold Bar Mitzvah ring, which she has been saving for this special day. Provoked by his young friend Herb, Allen begins to doubt whether the ring is actually gold. To test the ring, he bites it, denting the precious gift. Realizing his error, Allen’s remorse causes him lie to his mother, challenging his own sense of integrity. In the end, his mother’s quiet example of devotion helps him come to terms with his own actions, face the truth, and perform his Bar Mitzvah with pride. The most realistic play in the collection, The Man-Child is well written and original. With a cast of ten actors, the play is divided into three parts to be performed without intermission. The set and costumes needed are straightforward, with the action occurring in three areas: the main area is a kitchen and living room arrangement; the second is a small bedroom; the third is the pulpit of the synagogue.
