I liked how they made a short children's book into an hour long exciting show! It changed the story a little but made it into something even more awesome!
I realized once I saw the framed picture with the two bunnies fishing that it was from the story book Runaway Bunny, which is my favorite children's book! I loved when they sang Never Getaway from the Runaway Bunny story and was one of my favorite parts in the play! I liked how they had "easter eggs" (as my dad calls them) on the stage. The framed picture from the book Runaway Bunny and the stuffed animal on the bookshelf from Go Dog Go by Dr. Seuss.
My favorite character was the young Bunny, because he was very hyper and distracted so it reminded me of myself at bedtime with my mom & dad. I also really liked how the stage was just like in the book and the moving red balloon.
I really, really loved this play and I'm sure kids of all ages will too!
Elena Loy, 8
My daughters and I had our first experience at Virginia Rep’s Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn this past weekend. I am already planning our return for future productions! We were there to see Va Rep's adaptation of the cherished bedtime story Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. My youngest was very curious as to how they would fill an entire hour on stage with the short bedtime story book.
The stage was very magical with bright red, blue and green colors, a night sky filled with stars, and a "floating" red balloon, almost an exact replica of the book. The scene is set with a boisterous little boy Bunny that has a really hard time going to sleep and The Old Woman that has a lot of patience. I found that my girls were relating to the Bunny's energy and many distractions at bedtime, as I was entranced with the extremely talented actress that played The Old Woman and her soothing, ever-changing characters voices. So many events happen as Bunny tries to fall asleep, even a phone, and a painting of three bears in chairs comes to life. Every song and dance is full of energy and just as entertaining as the last.
My favorite song was when they sang the Runaway Bunny story book (our favorite bedtime story per my 8-year old) also by Margaret Wise Brown. This was a truly an unexpected surprise, and so began my daughter's search to point out all the "easter eggs" on set (like the painting on the wall of the Little Bunny and Grandpa Bunny fishing from the Runaway Bunny storybook). The Tooth Fairy's visit with his comical song and dance, the Hey Diddle Diddle nursery rhyme coming to life as the cow tries her hardest in 3 different skits to jump over the moon (with a "positive attitude you can do anything" theme) were both also favorites.
I highly recommend this very energetic and entertaining play to families and children of all ages. As I gazed around the room at all these enthusiastic little faces there was not a restless child in sight, they were all spellbound. I can't wait to see our next Virginia Rep's production there!
Kimberly Loy
