Harold and the Purple Crayon
Ideal for Ages 3+
The Ruth Page Center for Arts 1016 N. Dearborn St. Chicago Premiere Based on the books by Crockett Johnson Text by Don Darryl Rivera, Lyrics by Rob Burgess, Music by Auston James, Directed by Sean Graney, Choreography by Tommy Rapley, Music Direction by Nick Davio
ChiIL Mama was thrilled to meet with Jacqueline Russell, Frank Maugeri and other key production staff for the upcoming season at Chicago Children's Theatre.
Harold and the Purple Crayon challenge--"Design a set entirely made of giant purple crayons!! Oh yeah.....and they have to be durable, not melt under stage lights, and be light weight."
Chicago Children's Theatre rose to the challenge. Come see the stunningly playful and fun result. Harold and the Purple Crayon is on now through Nov 4 in Chicago, with brief runs in Beverly and Skokie. Don't delay. Get your tickets today!!
Harold and the Purple Crayon
The Ruth Page Center for Arts 1016 N. Dearborn St. Chicago Premiere Based on the books by Crockett Johnson Text by Don Darryl Rivera, Lyrics by Rob Burgess, Music by Auston James, Directed by Sean Graney, Choreography by Tommy Rapley, Music Direction by Nick Davio
- BEVERLY ARTS CENTER
2401 W. 111th St. Chicago, IL: November 7 -11
- NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL: November 14-18
Doin' it old school.... In these days of computer design programs, it was refreshing to also see the creative masterminds behind the costumes and set design for Harold and the Purple Crayon getting old school with the poster board collage brainstorming.
We geek out on the process behind the stage magic and think it's so much fun for kids...and adults to see a seed of an idea begin and then to see what it grows into in full bloom.
Check out some of the inspiration for Harold and the Purple Crayon below and see the creative process of how a simple, minimalist kids' classic morphs into a colorful, music filled stage production!!
Click here to buy your tickets
ChiIL Mama's been a huge fan of Chicago Children's Theatre since their inaugural year. On the production end, their play bills read like a whose who of the best and brightest in Chicago's theatre community. And the talent behind the scenes shows. Their high caliber shows raise the bar for all children's theatre. These shows are so intricately crafted and well done that they're as enjoyable for adults as they are for the littles. We're also happy to see collaborations with other local favorites of ours.
We adore Building Blocks Toy Stores and ChiIL Mama sponsored their big anniversary bash last year. We're also fans of the cool arts and crafts at Wishcraft and the excellent resource for parents that is Neighborhood Parents Network. Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often. We'll have loads more photos, our Harold and the Purple Crayon review and more.
Harold and the Purple Crayon teaches young audiences that anything is possible with a crayon and a big imagination. Meet Harold, a curious four year old boy who, armed with his trusty purple crayon, has the power to create a world of his own simply by drawing it. This imaginative musical uses breathtaking animation, inventive puppetry, and original music to bring Harold’s purple-hued world to life; it is perfect for introducing young children to theatre while simultaneously captivating their older companions.
Harold and the Purple Crayon will be helmed by CCT Artistic Associate Sean Graney, who directed the company’s productions of The Hundred Dresses, Honus and Me, and Hana’s Suitcase. Graney, Founding Artistic Director of The Hypocrites, is the recipient of a Career Development for Directors Program award from the National Endowment for the Arts and Theatre Communications Group, the winner of two non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards, and was named Chicago’s Best Avant-Garde Director by Chicago Magazine and 2004’s Chicagoan of the Year: Theater by the Chicago Tribune.
Don’t miss Thursday night Piece Pizza Parties at Harold and the Purple Crayon: enjoy delicious Piece Pizza and IZZE Juice before the show. Only $20 a ticket (includes pizza party and performance!)
Join us for Friday night Pajama Parties with Wishcraft at Harold and the Purple Crayon: After the show use your imagination to create something amazing, just like Harold does in the show! Only $25 a ticket (includes craft party and performance!)
Building Blocks Toys is back this year to join us for Harold and the Purple Crayon with a post-show party: October 14, 11:00am. Free fun for the whole family: facepainting, glitter tattoos, yummy treats, activities & giveaways!
Neighborhood Parent’s Network is back again, hosting a post-show party: October 21, 11:00am. Don’t miss coloring, refreshments, photography & more!
