Every parent has read Goodnight Moon countless times to their young child(ren). Who hasn’t ever wondered what exactly is in that “bowl of mush”? The beloved tale of Goodnight Moon as well as the equally charming Runaway Bunny tale are being brought to life in a co-presentation by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia and Vancouver’s own Carousel Theatre for Young People. Mermaid Theatre is renowned for their puppetry and black light storytelling.
Goodnight Moon is a charming story of a little rabbit getting ready for bed and saying good night to all of the important items in his little world. Runaway Bunny is a pretend tale of a little rabbit leaving home and all the warm gooey responses from his mom.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia puts on a fantastic performance. The Runaway Bunny was done with various sized rabbit puppets in a variety of costumes. I was incredibly impressed by the jumping action created by the puppeteers. The story was told at a slow pace so the kids could absorb what was happening on the stage. I also applaud the performers for starting the show with their faces shown. As the performance progressed the puppeteers “disappeared” into black shadows. However, because the kids had seen their faces at the start of the show the “scary factor” was non-existent.
Goodnight Moon was done with both puppets and black light. I loved the start of Goodnight Moon as the performers slowly built the room we all know so well. Pieces of furniture were rolled onto stage, panels were turned around, and within a few minutes the audience was transported into the “great green room”. At the end of the performance the actors participated in a Q&A section. Kids ask the most charming questions. The actors handled the question of “may we pet the puppets” very well. I really liked the moment they turned the black lights on the audience so the kids could see how their own clothes – or teeth – glowed.
Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny is recommended for kids aged 3 – 8 years, but after taking our kids I think aged 5 & under would do best. Our 6 & 8 year olds thoroughly enjoyed the performance but they were more entranced by the puppetry than the stories themselves. There are all ages performances (that means the littlest family members are welcome) on November 19 (11am), November 20 (11am) and November 26 (11am). **Please note that this production is NOT at the Waterfront Theatre (where most Carousel Theatre productions run) but rather at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre on 41st Avenue.**
The other shows in the Carousel Theatre for Young People’s 2016/17 season are: A Charlie Brown Christmas (November 25 – December 31), Dr Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat (February 24 – March 19), and Good Day and Good Night (June 6 – 18).
