Danny, King of the Basement

Danny, King of the Basement tells the story of 10-year-old Danny “Delco” Carter. Danny is the “king of moving.”

In two years, he and his unemployed mother have moved more times than most kids lose teeth; there’s just never the money to pay the rent. But far from being overcome by his homelessness, Danny appears to be thriving. He can pack his bags faster than it takes to tie a shoelace. He can make a friend in the morning and a best friend in a day. When Danny moves into a basement apartment on upscale Clinton Street, the kids he meets have more material things, but they seem to have bigger problems than just being hungry. Penelope’s parents are separated and are using her as a go-between because they won’t talk to each other. Angelo’s dad is scary; he sounds (and looks) like a dinosaur. But Danny’s imaginative play creates a sense of community that allows his friends to cope with their problems and, ultimately, to help Danny—because Danny’s challenge isn’t losing a home—it’s gaining one.

This heartwarming story about a boy who creates an imaginary world to deal with the instability and hardship of his daily life is a powerful, yet playful, play that truthfully explores issues related to child poverty and homelessness and ultimately demonstrates how the power of friendship can change lives.

A winner of the Dora Mavor Moore Award (Toronto’s Tony Awards) for Outstanding Production in Theatre for Young Audiences and the Canada Council Children’s Theatre Prize.