Children's Theatre: "The Borrowers," At The Arden

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Arden Children's Theatre is creating a theatrical interpretation of The Borrowers, the imaginative children's novel by British writer Mary Norton.

On the wide stage of the Arden's F. Otto Haas Auditorium, a recent arrival from Europe is getting used to his new home when he discovers that there's a miniature family living under the floorboards.

These strange creatures are "The Borrowers," tiny people who exist in a tiny space but who have the same basic needs of those who live in the full-size world.

These tiny people explain that they don't steal or pillage but adjust to a portion of what we find normal.

We're introduced to well-played characters with big hearts but very tiny bodies.  We sympathize with the creatures who are forced to spend a night inside a shoe.

"The Borrowers" has much to say to an audience of all ages.  It's set to run at the Arden Theatre, 40 North Second Street in Old City, through January 30th.

Reviewed by Bob Nelson, KYW Newsradio 1060.