Travis Edward Pike's Grumpuss

"The Grumpuss" is a rhymed epic fantasy adventure told by Travis Edward Pike about a creature that is: "Not like a dragon/Rather more like a large surly cat/With tremendous paws and gigantic claws/And jaws that can crush armor flat!" Staged at England's Blenheim Palace in 1997 with a small, supporting cast and orchestra in a benefit for the Save the Children foundation, the rather static presentation consists mainly of Mr. Pike's rhyming delivery of the story, punctuated only by short scenes of dancing children and dialogue with a faerie queen. In this case, the also available audio version ($16.95) may be preferable, as it allows the listener's imagination to work more freely than is possible through the fixed lens of the camera. For those who do decide to pick up the video, my guess is that 99 straight minutes would prove too much for elementary age viewers; it's more likely that children will be able to better grasp the themes of courage, compassion, and peace if viewed one act at a time. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: E, I, J, P. (S. Fisher)