Khanh Doan and Don Darryl Rivera in Harold And The Purple Crayon. Photo by Dan Norman.
In Harold And The Purple Crayon (at Children’s Theatre Co, through Feb 26) a company of first rate artists and performers collaborate on a deceptively simple, sweetly accessible and yet highly sophisticated…
Well, what would you call Harold? A play? I suppose, but it’s really more a celebration of elegant design, tuneful music, astute lyrics, catchy choreography and nifty text, all brought together under the firm and loving direction of the estimable Rita Giomi.
Based on the 1950s book series by Crockett Johnson, Harold And The Purple Crayon dispenses with bothersome devices like story, character relationships and general coherence. Mind you, this is in no way a complaint; the lack of story logic gives the play-makers leave to free-form, to dream, to stretch their creative muscles in unexpected ways. Harold, wearing his ubiquitous fuzzy turquoise onesie, uses his crayon to create and explore a series of fantasy environments – a space ship, on the sea, under the sea where he does battle with a giant crab (what a great idea!). Harold employs songs, projections, cool lighting, great singing, exuberant dancing to create a wonderful theatrical swirl.
The design thrills, but I have to give especial mention to L.B. Morse, whose lighting slash projections are truly unique. I’ve never seen effects like this, anywhere.
Similarly good is the music, sweet and melodious 80s-style rock. Music is by Auston James with lyrics by Rob Burgess. James provides a useful drone, allowing the music to be seamlessly worked into the final product. Indeed, seamlessness is one of the over-riding joys of this show. Giomi and her designers make it look simple; it’s not.
The performers are terrific. Led by the goofy and adorable Don Darryl Rivera (who also receives credit for the text) as Harold, the play features “storytellers” Khanh Doan and Caety Sagoian. These women function as puppeteers, singers, dancers – figments of Harold’s imagination, who lovingly tuck him into bed at the end, then quietly withdraw.
Is Harold And The Purple Crayon for everyone? Jaded grown-ups (like me) may find the lack of a story, the relentlessly cheerful mien of the performers, and the high ticket price off-putting. But if have (or have access to) a young child, by all means, take them to CTC. Harold is a perfect introduction to the joys of live theater, a worthwhile investment.
For more information about John Olive, please visit his website.