Review: Olympia Family Theater’s 7th annual ‘Tales Told in Ten!’  play festival

Olympia’s most charming play festival, Olympia Family Theater’s 7th annual 24-hour play festival, “Tales Told in Ten!,” took place on Saturday, Sept. 26, and I was thrilled to return once again this year as a writer. 

For people unfamiliar with this jovial tradition, “Tales Told in Ten” presents six, 10-minute plays, all performed in a single night. Each play has one writer, one director, and four cast members.  

With such a short timeline, you might expect these plays to be rough around the edges, but the artistry and dedication behind this festival are stunning. Audiences consistently walk away having enjoyed laughter, tears, and a delightful variety of stories to carry into whatever comes next. 

This year’s theme, “Under the Same Moon,” proved once again that imagination has no limits. The full prompt read, “No matter where our paths lead, we all travel under the same moon.” It was incredible to see the different directions each writer took the prompt. Some took us to space, others to witches’ covens, or other familiar (or unfamiliar) places.   

Watching directors and actors bring their own unique ideas, talents, and capabilities to the process was amazing! Everyone was fully present in their characters on stage, making audiences roar with applause.  

Everyone involved in the show has personal perspectives from that night, but dear readers, I invite you to buckle your seat belts and fly with me to my side of the moon.  

 My side of the moon 

The night before receiving the prompt, I was watching the film “The American President” when an influencer from the 2010s came to mind: Kid President, a spunky, fun kid who made videos celebrating people and sharing what he would do if he were president.

My mom had actually brought him up a couple of days earlier, too. Just like that, the idea for my play began to take root: a story about a kid who became president and didn’t lose his childhood ambitions for the country. 

The “Tales Told in Ten” prompt spoke to me by saying no matter where life takes us, where we come from, or how different we may appear, we, as humankind, are all the same and equal. These ideas married into my play, “The Kid President." 

The play begins on the first day of Miss Moon’s high school English class, where she asks students to introduce themselves by sharing their wildest dreams — without considering logic, reason, or their parents expectations for college. 

Charlotte Kale wants to find a cure for cancer. River Pen wants to become a writer. Miss Delilah Moon, formerly Smith before a name change, wants to become an astronaut, but is held back by one major problem: she can’t bring her cat, Moo, to space. Elliot Kid wants to become the president of the United States. 

Under President Kid’s administration, we would see the economy saved through coupon clipping, a law making harm to any animal illegal and punishable by a year in prison, and a policy called “Moon’s Law,” inspired by his beloved teacher, that would put an end to detention and deportation and unite families on U.S. soil. 

Act two of the play shows how everyone made their dreams come true — even Miss Moon, who, thanks to President Kid’s “Moo Law,” can live on the moon with her cat while teaching English on Zoom. (She gets the best service up there.) 

Watching my own play made me cry. How silly is that? Directed by the incredible Jen Ryle, this cast's collective enthusiasm, dedication, and clear appreciation made our production unforgettable.  

Evan Grinnell-Holderman made a perfectly sassy River Pen, who was written to be Miss Moon’s favorite doubter. Soap Khan brought the perfect energy to Elliot Kid, balancing passion with a splash of nerdiness. Susana Bailén embraced a childlike heart playing Charlotte Kale, who may be slightly airheaded but is also determined, surprisingly smart, and loyal and loving.  

 Amanda Robinson’s Miss Moon was iconic, embracing a bit of a “Miss Frizzle” kind of countenance while remaining true to the teachers we see today. Miss Moon was very important to me because while I wanted the audience — especially the students — to feel inspired, I also wanted teachers to feel seen, loved, and appreciated for doing this real-life work every day.  

Ultimately, I wanted audiences to walk away with the notion that we are not only the same because we are all under the same moon, but under that same moon, anything is possible. Whether or not you were in the audience that night, I hope this story leaves you feeling the same way.  

The adventures don’t stop here: OFT’s next mainstage show, “Luna Sister of Element,” premieres Oct. 16. Click here to learn more.

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.