HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON Brings Some Color to The Jorgensen 10/18

"Harold" Draws a Purple Path to Jorgensen, Enchantment Theatre Company Sun, Oct 18, 2009, 1 & 3 pm

"One evening, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight," begins this enchanting story. But there was no moon that night, so the resourceful tot draws one, as well as a path to follow, with his large, purple crayon. On Sunday, October 18, at 1 and 3 pm, that path leads directly to Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, as Enchantment Theatre Company brings Harold's creative journey to life as part of the Jorgensen Children's Series, supported by Bank of America.

The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon is based on the beloved series of picture books by Crockett Johnson adapted by Jennifer Blatchley Smith, Leslie Reidel and Landis Smith, with music by Charles Gilbert. It follows an inventive little boy as he explores the world he creates on a blank page, using nothing more than his imagination and a big purple crayon. Enchantment Theatre Company's production takes the audience on a wild, exciting ride as Harold jets to Mars, walks a tightrope in a circus, and meets a king in an enchanted garden.

Like all young children, Harold needs to explore in order to learn and grow. His development comes through trial and error. As he takes risks and overcomes obstacles, he begins to satisfy his curiosity about nature, takes the first tentative steps toward independence, explores an imaginative universe, and conquers his fears. Along the way he encounters shooting stars, space ships, a dragon, and nine kinds of pie! But in the end, he wisely draws his way home and goes to sleep in his own bed.

The Harold books have captivated families for more than fifty years by celebrating the imagination of children and the unique way they see the world. This cross-generational stage adaptation combines life-size puppets, masks, magic and music that will delight and amaze children and audiences of all ages - anyone whose heart is young and adventurous.

Join Harold and the purple artistry of his imagination at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. Tickets for adults are $13; children $11. For information, call the Box Office, Monday through Friday, 11 am to 5 pm, at 860.486.4226, or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Enjoy free, convenient parking across the street in the North Garage.