(OUTscene NW) RE-view: The Children's Hour is a MUST-SEE and Great FIT at the Ballard Underground

Yes, There were Mean Girls in the 1930's Photo: Michael Brunk

by MK Scott

I confess I had never been to a Lesbian-Themed Play (It isn't like I have tried), but when that said-play is a bonafide American Classic written by the Controversial and Brilliant, Lillian Hellman that was turned into a Mildly-successful film led by 2 giants (Audrey Hepburn and Shirley Maclaine) in the code breaking 1960's (1961 to be exact). Of course, I am talking about the Children's Hour, that was stage by Arouet at the Ballard Underground this past weekend.

The last time I was at the Underground was for Ghostlight Theatricals production of 'Rope" another Early Gay themed play that was adapted in a Hollywood Film. There is something about the Underground and how you feel are in a speakeasy and transported into the time when being Gay or Lesbian was a mental illness.

The Children's Hour is a 1934 stage play written by Lillian Hellman. It is a drama set in an all-girls boarding school run by two women, Karen Wright and Martha Dobie. An angry student, Mary Tilford, runs away from the school and to avoid being sent back she tells her grandmother that the two headmistresses are having a lesbian affair. The accusation proceeds to destroy the women's careers, relationships and lives.

The play was first staged on Broadway at Maxine Elliott's Theatre in 1934, where it ran for over two years, and in 1936 it was put on at London's Gate Theatre Studio and Dublin's Gate Theatre. This was Hellman's first hit play. At the time, any mention of homosexuality on stage was illegal in New York State, but the play was such a success and so widely praised by critics that the rule was not enforced, according to Wiki.

Looks can be Deceiving!              Photo: Michael Brunk

One thing I noticed was never judge a character based on appearance, Karen (Played by the incredible, Kayla Lian) has long Black Hair and wears pants in Act One, While Martha (played with Sensitivity by Lindsay Evans) has short dark hair, but wears dresses in both Acts).

The spoiled and super bitchy teen, Mary (Rachel Sedwick) is truly a Mean Girl and bullies the other girls. 

Her favorite targets are Rosalie (Olivia Sterne) and  Evelyn (Eileen Macdonald). Mary's cousin is Dr Joe Cardin (Played with Gutso by Tom Stewart) and is dating Karen.

Martha's Aunt Lily (played by the scene-stealing Sally Brady) brings up to Martha of the real reason that Martha is against Karen and Joe's courtship. Rosalie overhears and blabs to the other girls and the draw up conclusions. Mary decides to use this info to get what she wants.


Mary convinces her grandmother (Played convincingly by Mary Murfin Bayley)  that Karen and Martha are having a lesbian affair. On hearing this, Amelia Tilford begins contacting the parents of Mary's classmates. Shortly, most of Mary's friends have been pulled out of school. Rosalie, whose mother is abroad, stays with Mary.  Mary Blackmails Rosalie into go along with the plan.

Joe and Karen and Martha?      Photo: Michael Brunk

Upon hearing this, Karen and Martha plan to sue for libel, but lose. Joe wants to marry Karen, but Karen is still distant. Joe has his doubts and leaves.

Martha, in a heart wrenching scenes, confesses she did want to be more than friends with Karen. And of course in most plays from that era as well as the 1961 Film, it is too late for Martha and Karen is alone to handle the fall out,


The Play is a little dated, but with the old-time atmosphere of the Underground and the top notch performances, it reintroduces this classic to the modern age.

The Children's Hour, Produced by Arouet at the Ballard Underground, continues through Sun, May 31. Click Here for TIX!