'A Single Shard' at People's Light: Earnest but mesmerizing

People's Light is now running A Single Shard by playwright Robert Schenkkan, adapted from the Newbery Award-winning novel by Linda Sue Park. Director Seema Sueko, with lots of help from set designer David F. Weiner, creates a bold and mesmerizing spectacle.

The hero is Tree-Ear, an orphan who lives under a bridge with homeless Crane Man (Graham Smith). Named for an ear-shaped mushroom that grows on dead trees, Tree-Ear survives by scavenging. In free moments, he enviously spies on the skilled potters in the Korean village of Ch'ulp'o.

Throughout the play, Tree-Ear struggles to apprentice himself to Master Potter Min (Thom Sesma). Although befriended by Min's Wife (Jeanne Sakata), gruff Min rebuffs him, giving Shard some much-needed comedy.

There is humor also in the braggadocio of Master Potter Kang (Greg Watanabe) and more comic touches in Tree-Ear's relationship with Crane Man. Good thing, too, because Crane Man so constantly mentors Tree-Ear on the need for virtue he would be unbearable if he never lightened up.

Brian Lee Huynh portrays a Tree-Ear of unflinching integrity, fighting through obstacles of major and minor key. Taunts from rival apprentices (Aaron Bell and Taysha Canales) are minor annoyances. But the robbers he encounters while on a dangerous trek are serious business.

Tree-Ear always prevails, so persistently high-minded he makes Goody Two Shoes look like a slacker. Yet Shard does not feel hokey because Sueko continually distracts you with colorful staging. The rigid class formality of 12th-century Korea catches your eye. You see it in Master Potter Min and with Emissary Kim (Kevin R. Free), whose court is full of exotic costume (designer: Moria Sine Clinton). Flowing garments also play a role in the striking choreography of Jung Woong Kim. In solo and ensemble dance, his Asian-inspired arrangements first startle then delight you. Rapturous light and color (Porsche McGovern) and dramatic sound events (Daniel Perelstein) flesh out the spectacle.

Imparting ethical wisdom has always been integral to children's literature, and you could argue Sueko's gorgeous production undercuts Shard's moral intent. But this eye-popping 90 minute show gives you little time to think, so enjoy the feast!

A Single Shard. Through May 29, Leonard C. Haas Stage at People's Light, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern. Tickets: $27-47. Information: 610-644-3500, peopleslight.org.