We have been attending performances at the Center for Puppetry Arts for years. We absolutely love their shows and we are fans of Crockett Johnson’s beloved story Harold and the Purple Crayon. We were thrilled to learn that this timeless story of Harold, a curious young boy who creates his own world with his magical crayon, is making its world premiere on the puppet stage this spring.
Harold and the Purple Crayon is a wonderful celebration of creativity, imagination, and play wrapped in one show. You will journey with Harold from his bedroom to enchanted gardens to the circus, and blast off through the starry night to the moon, then back through the city to his home. Harold meets many delightful characters through his journey, including the Very Hungry Moose, the Deserving Porcupine, a circus clown, and a space alien.
We were in awe at how the producers used a combination of blacklight rod puppets and projection technology to make Harold's world and drawings come to life and appear on stage like magic. The original songs and background music were fun and whimsical. We highly recommend checking out Harold and the Purple Crayon! The production is directed by Jon Ludwig. The show is based on five of Crockett Johnson's stories: Harold and the Purple Crayon, Harold’s Fairy Tale, Harold’s Trip to the Sky, Harold’s Circus and A Picture for Harold’s Room.
Recommended for ages four and up, Harold and the Purple Crayon is now playing in the Mainstage Theater, through May 26. The regular show schedule is as follows:
April 2-7
Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. and noon
Saturday: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
April 9-May 26
Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.*
*There will be no shows on Sunday, April 21 (Easter)
A sensory-friendly programming day for will be presented on Sunday, April 14 from noon to 5 p.m.
TICKETS
All-inclusive ticket prices vary but start at $12.50 (members) and $25 (nonmembers) and include entrance to the Create-A Puppet Workshop™, where guests can make, decorate and perform with their own Purple Porcupine Rod Puppet, as well as admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, featuring the largest collection of Jim Henson puppets in the world as well as a global gallery organized by continent with puppets from all over the globe. Tickets can be purchased online at puppet.org or by calling 404.873.3391.
This production was made possible in part by The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Foundation, Cheryl Henson, The Jim Henson Foundation and Georgia Council for the Arts.
“Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson used by permission. All rights reserved by The Ruth Krauss Foundation, Inc., Stewart Edelstein, President.
