Review: PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON - An Enchanting Tale

Scottish Rite Theatre has long been one of Austin's premier children's theatres, PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON continues their rich tradition of excellence with an enchanting tale.

Adapted from the 1963 folk hit by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton, sung by Peter, Paul and Mary, the story follows Puff (Andy Bond) and his friend Jackie Paper (Julie Moore) through their adventures fighting pirates and sailing the high seas. Scottish Rite's version takes license with the lyrics and filling in the blanks with a heartwarming story. Impressively, this is the only production authorized by the songwriters and adapted for the stage. We are introduced to the Paper family, Dusty (Vicki Yoder), Nana (Chris Humphrey), Dad (Robert Deike) and Mom (Megan Ortiz); Jackie is bored because the adults are more interested in his newborn sister Tabitha (later played by Megan Ortiz). The left out youngster finds his way to Honalee, an island where Puff lives and dastardly pirates have hidden their treasure. The friendly dragon and Jackie set off on a series of adventures that are both sweet and hilarious. In true children's theatre style, everyone ends up with a happy ending.

PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON is creative, whimsical and endearing, easily entertaining both children and adults alike. I had the opportunity to attend the performance with a member of the target audience, my four year old grandson, who enjoyed his first theatre experience immensely. The puppet character Puff, is beautifully made, designed by Heather and Robert Jarry and excellently played by Andy Bond. Bond is outstanding, deftly handling the oversized dragon giving the audience a fully fleshed character that we fall in love with. Julie Moore captures the young boy's spirit and wonder in her turn as Jackie Paper. The ensemble of Yoder, Humphrey, Deike and Ortiz change characters and costumes with each scene filling the roles of family members, pirates and royalty to great effect. Their acting skill make for captivating, energetic and often very funny moments. Director Susan Gayle Todd, keeps the action moving with outstanding pacing and hilarious fight scenes. Todd is masterful in her attention to the smallest detail, her vision is clear and translating that vision directly to the audience. The fight choreography is delightful, my grandson's favorite part, every move is calculated for maximum effect. Providing the iconic title song throughout the show are Laura Freeman and Megan Pritchett, playing several instruments each and infusing the production with infectious joy . The set is partially provided by the signature antique hanging scenery the space is known for, while the remainder is fancifully designed by June Podlech and painted by Dana Vance and Vicki Yoder. Stunning in its artistry, the set gives a perfect fantasy feel, transporting us between Jackie's real world living room and the magical land of Honalee. Costumes by Ally Curtis are both festive and functional allowing the actors to change in mere seconds. The entire performance is entertaining with the children in the audience hanging on every word and laughing uproariously at the comic fight scenes.

I give my highest recommendation to PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON; if you have little ones, it is a definite must-see. Spend an hour in celebration of imagination, song and pure fun in the land of Honalee, I promise you'll have a great time.

PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON
Adapted from the song by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton
Directed by Susan Gayle Todd
Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 W 18th Street, Austin

February 4 thru 26, Saturday & Sunday at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm

Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission

Tickets: $8 children under 12, $12 ages 12 and up, scottishritetheater.org