HARLEQUIN

by Rose Laura Mincieli ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1968

Harlequin, Pierrot and Columbine, known better by reference than at first hand, benefit here from a self-contained story that could spur performances but will certainly assure recognition. It's not easy to capture the bravado spirit without the stage business, but for most of the way at least until Harlequin becomes absorbed in his courtship of the cloistered Columbine --developments follow as swiftly and effortlessly as Harlequin's dancing: the firecracker departure from Bergamo; mutual admiration with lutist Scaramouch along the road; joint arrival at Burattino's inn in Venice, quick conquest of daughter Violetta, humbling of braggadocio fellow-boarder Captain Spavento; smitten by Columbine, dosed by her doctor father Pantaloon; intercession of Violetta, Scaramouch and piteous Pierrot; etc. Margot Zemach's Harlequin is agile and impetuous, her Pantaloon a bent, obsequious scoundrel, her Pierrot a born loser up to the tilt of his eyebrows. Brava tutto!

Pub Date: April 1, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION