| Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"... Perhaps I am overinvested in Harold, but I could not get past the sense here that this was just another day with the crayon for the drawing dude: he drew some things, those things showed up either through some clever theatrical trick or on a digital screen, a few perky pals popped out from Geoffrey Curley's set and that was that. This episodic, jumpy, predictable show doesn't have any dramatic build. Which is a fancy way of saying it does not grab hold of Harold's story. Which is, of course, the story of how, for a few brief years in life, assuming you're surrounded by love, you can draw and dream, and there still will be bread on the table."
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Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...The storytelling is almost entirely sung, with Harold (fully grown actor Nate Lewellyn) and two "story teller" helpers (Bethany Thomas and Alex Goodrich) moving from earth to sea to sky under the power of Tommy Rapley's winsomely rambunctious choreography and Nick Davio's music direction. The music, by Auston James, is delightful (and played live on stage by a three-piece band that includes the composer as well as Eric Engelson on drums and percussion and Charlie Malave on bass and cello), meshing the basic rhythms of nursery rhymes with a sort of indie/folk/pop sound that is both intriguing and easy on the ears."
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Chicago Stage Standard - Highly Recommended
"... "Harold and the Purple Crayon," based on the beloved book by Crockett Johnson, opened Friday night at the Chicago Children's Theatre in their brand new home at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts. There was excitement abound and enthusiasm filled the air."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"... Liviu Pasare’s superbly executed high tech animation and video design is nothing short of magical. His work is matched by the creativity behind Joanna Iwanicka’s inventive, innovative oversized props and puppets paired with Alison Siple’s beautifully imagined costumes all displayed against Geoffrey Curley’s stark white palate of movable set pieces. And CCT provides a most creative interactive playbill to help extend the theatrical experience beyond the performance itself. The end result mostly succeeds by breathing life into one of childhood’s most enduring picture book classics providing an entertaining hour of kiddie lit live on stage."
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