The Take Along Theater caught my eye ages ago, but I didn't get it for a long time because it's a Take Along and as we all know, Take Alongs are useless for dioramas. However, with the Last Chance sale, I couldn't resist any longer, even if the theater itself mostly gets used as storage.
+ The cast of characters for this set is superb and ultimately my reason for getting it. My favorite is the harlequin jester figure - I would love to have a full Commedia dell'arte cast! The policeman is a close second, and even the sausage "thief" has a certain charm. The props are a good selection, though you'd probably want some Victorian or fairy tale furniture for indoors scenes. I'm not sure I quite understand the gigantesque yellow box (surprise for the policeman's birthday?).
- The downside to this set is, of course, that it's a Take Along. I would have bought it when I first saw it, if it were a realistic, historical theater. But as it is, the outside is very clunky and plain. The format also necessitates a rather narrow stage. However, as a Take Along, I think it does well. They designed it around portability. There are footholds in the back to "lock in" klickies, as well as pockets for accessories. The sound box (and the big yellow box) tuck nicely below stage. I would have loved it as a kid.
So overall, sadly a Take Along, but the best of the Take Alongs.
In this order, I also got:
6222 Bedroom Furniture - A very cute traditional style bedroom. I like the lamps and the flower details. I wish the blankets/top sheets were a different color. My major complaint though is that they took out the chamber pots!!!
6244 Lounge - An assemblage of recycled parts. I got this set simply because I don't know when we'll see more Victorian furniture, and I wanted some to fill in rooms when necessary. The couch is rather nice, but I feel a bit cheated that there are only two dining chairs.
7632 Deciduous Trees - I bought two sets. Eh, they're trees. Need I say more?
As a bonus... the multi-set girl - a nice selection of accessories. I rather like the cat box and the xylophone. But do we really need another blond princess in a pink dress? I love her dress, but I want it in blue or purple or green or mustard yellow... really any other color would do.
