I have been reviewing shows for DC Theater Arts since 2017. I have had a love affair with theater since I was 5 years old. And on a sweltering day in 2024, a dream came true: for the first time, I took my entire family, my two young daughters, to a show I was watching. Always be my heart.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautious Musical is based on a Mo Willems classic about the misadventures of a Brooklyn father and his daughter Trixie when Trixie's beloved stuffy bunny is left at the laundromat. Directed by Angelisa Gillyard at Adventure Theater MTC in Glen Echo, Maryland, it gets the Theater for Young Audiences treatment in a fast-paced 45-minute adventure.
This Northern Virginia mom didn't know about the “six minute” walk from the parking lot to the theater – past the (normally beautiful and charming) Glen Echo Park, past the aquarium, a few yurts and a wonderful carousel –. I realized this when my three-year-old had a four-alarm seizure after two minutes of walking. (I'm sure the record heat didn't help.) We arrived early. I hustled. I hurried. I tried to negotiate with her. But we still arrived at the box office about three minutes late (the last customers in their seats, of course) after I carried her like a 30-pound football. I was sweating. I was irritated. I was exhausted. Honestly, I was on the verge of tears. It wasn't the dream I imagined.
But then the lights came on on Adventure Theater Rabbit Knuffle and the opening song “Life Is Tricky with Trixie” began. It's about Mom (played by a grounded and warm Sally Imbriano) warning Dad (Trenton McKenzie Beavers) of what will undoubtedly be a difficult day ahead as he prepares to transport their toddler Trixie ( Ariel Friendly) solo at the laundromat. Taking care of little ones is harder than it seems, says mom. Art imitating life or life imitating art? I don't know. But in this musical that features dancing bunnies and giant laundry, I felt seen. I was thinking of taking my kids to a show just for them, but it turns out Rabbit Knuffle also validates the feelings of exhausted parents. Sniff.
The Adventure Theater's arena-style seating is perfect for both tall and short patrons, ensuring everyone has a great view of the action. The still set designed by Megan Holden is accented with projections from Hailey LaRoe and lightning bolts from Lynn Joslin that convey the location and even thoughts of certain characters. The design and production were truly superb. Brandon Cook's sound levels were reliable. The props and puppets by Aiden Galbraith and Andrea “Dre” Moore respectively were creative and precisely handled by puppeteers Julia Link and Ingrid Bork. The two ensemble artists added energy, joy and humor to the production. Ariel Friendly conveys the wonder and deep emotion of little Trixie without the benefit of language. His wide eyes and comedic timing get the job done. No one fought harder on that stage than Trenton McKenzie Beavers as Dad. He holds the majority of the dialogue while delivering a stunning performance in “Washy Washy.” He then delivers one of the most touching moments of the series, “Really, Really Love You”, where he expresses vulnerability in his frustration of trying to understand Trixie. He immediately apologizes and seeks to reconnect after becoming angry. He doesn't know why Trixie is upset, and he's not exactly an intuitive parent, but he loves her and he's doing his best.
The show was well cast, had a well-used creative setting, good pacing, and delivered both laughs and tears. It was great. No rating.
Although this is our family's first foray into the Adventure Theater, it won't be our last. This was a theatrical experience that combines the excellence I have come to expect from professional theaters in the Washington area with an experience designed entirely for children. Although my three-year-old daughter wasn't happy when she arrived, she certainly was during the show. Both children were fascinated by the story, the production design, the music, the actors and of course the bubbles. If you have a Mo Willems fan in your clan, don't miss this. It's a great first show for kids, and even if they melt on the way to the theater, trust me, they'll definitely be glad they went.
Duration: 50 minutes, without intermission.
Knuffle Bunny: A Warning Musical plays until August 18, 2024 at MTC Adventure Theater (ATMTC), 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD. Check the schedule to plan and purchase tickets. Tickets (general admission, all ages, $25) are available online or by calling the box office at 301-634-2270.
Recommended for all ages.
COVID Safety: Masks are currently optional for Adventure Theater for most performances.
Knuffle Bunny: A Warning Musical
Based on the award-winning Caldecott Honor book by Mo Willems
Book and lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Michael Silversher
Directed by Angelisa Gilyard
CASTING
Trixie: Friendly Ariel
Mom: Sally Imbriano
Dad: Trenton Beavers
Puppeteer and mother understudy: Julia Link
Puppeteer: Ingrid Bork
Swing and Papa Liner: Sylvern Grooms Jr.
Swing and Trixie Lining: Mollie Greenberg
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Angelisa Gilyard
Choreographer: Maurice Johnson
Musical director: Elisa Rosman
Scenographer: Megan Holden
Lighting designer: Lynn Joslin
Sound designer: Brandon Cook
Puppet Creator: Andrea “Dre” Moore
Props Designer: Aiden Galbraith
Projection Designer: Hailey LaRoe
Stage manager: Sam Linc
Assistant manager: Mary Doebel
Production Director: Michael Burgtorf
Technical Director: Jacob Penland
Assistant production director / stage manager: Dom Ocampo
