Harold and the Purple Crayon at Seattle Children's Theatre
Seattle Children’s Theatre kicks off their 2011-2012 season with an original, musical rendition of the classic children’s book, Harold and the Purple Crayon. The original story, written by Crockett Johnson in 1955, has lead to a successful series of books, enjoyed several adaptations (to film, stage, television), and has been enjoyed by children and for over half a century.
Most of the play is set within the mind of Harold, an endlessly creative little boy with a special purple crayon. With his crayon, Harold takes himself on an adventure of imagination, which leads him from the depths of the ocean to outer space, and many exciting destinations between. He travels by boat, by rocket ship, by balloon, making several friends along the way.
Brushes with danger (an ornery dragon and a pinch-happy crab, to name a couple) compel Harold to think critically and creatively, to problem-solve. He must cleverly decide what best to draw to escape danger, a message of self-reliance and ingenuity.
Don Darryl Rivera is charming as the title character, garnering big laughs from children, holding their attention throughout. A gentleman in the lobby suggested to me during intermission that, "The kids like him because they relate to him." Mr. Rivera, who also wrote the book for the adaptation, portrays an enchanting combination of precociousness and wonder.
As Harold and the Purple Crayon moves so rapidly from location to diverse location, and as it involves so many unique characters, Seattle Children's Theatre is presented with an exciting opportunity and challenge to innovate. They rise successfully to the call by use of many different kinds of puppets, projections, shadow play, animation, and remote control. Artistic Director Linda Hartzell states that the show uses "more kinds of puppets than any other SCT show." The effect--and one of the great strengths of the show--is an enrapturing sense of, 'What's going to come out from behind that curtain next?' It's a show full of surprises, most by way of savvy design.
Harold and the Purple Crayon is a light, fun spectacle full of song and dance, a celebration of the creative power of the mind. It encourages us to laugh, to think, and to invent.
September 22 through October 30 // Seattle Children's Theatre, Charlotte Martin Theatre, 201 Thomas Street // Performance times vary, tickets available here
