A simple trip to the laundromat is about to become an exciting adventure! Read on for your chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to this amazing show!
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, runs January 25 through February 22 at the Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Avenue. Based on the book, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems, the Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences production tells the story of what happens when a favorite stuffed bunny is left behind at the laundromat. The family-friendly musical features singing, action and plenty of dancing laundry!
“What’s exciting about the Knuffle Bunny musical is children and families get to discover so many wonderful new things about their favorite characters,” said Director Randy White, whose recent experience includes working as the founder and artistic director of the Cardinal Stage Company in Bloomington, Indiana. “Adapting his own book, Willems adds scenes and songs that explore and deepen relationships.”
The musical cleverly expands on key story elements, including a dance with a larger-than-life Knuffle Bunny that expresses the main character’s attachment to the toy. Audiences also will be treated to a spectacular use of puppetry throughout the show.
“It’s so much fun watching objects come to life as giant toys, animals and even oversized, out-of-control laundry,” White said. “We also get to meet a range of additional neighborhood residents, including the singing, dancing denizens of the local laundromat. And finally, there is a lovely guest appearance by Willems’ much-loved bus-driving pigeon!”
Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences is a professional theatre company dedicated to presenting the highest quality productions for youth and family audiences. NTYA operates under a Theatre For Young Audiences Agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the national union of Actors and Stage Managers.
Cast members include Grace Bobber (Mom), Sam Shankman (Dad), Elizabeth Stenholt (Trixie), Matthew Weidenbener, Audie Deinlein and Kaleb Risjiwick as the ensemble/puppeteers, with Chamaya Moody and Adam Ross Brody understudying. Music is directed by David Zizic and choreography by Tuesdai B. Perry. The production team includes Lauren M. Nichols (scenic design/scenic artist), Caitlin McLeod (costume design), Kurt Ottinger (lighting design), Dave Wisniewski (props design), Sara Morrison (costume coordinator), Kat Pleviak (puppetry design) and Sean McStravick (AEA Stage Manager).
“I adore this cast,” Director White said. “They are a remarkably talented lot, and I’m delighted that I get to watch each of them bring energy and insight to these wonderful characters.”
Knuffle Bunny showtimes include:
Weekends
• Saturdays, January 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22 at 10am and 1pm
• Sunday, February 9 at 2pm
Weekdays
• Monday, February 3 at 10:30am
• Wednesday, February 5 at 9:30am and 1:30pm
• Thursday, February 13 at 10am
• Friday, February 14 at 9:30am
• Monday, February 17 at 10am
• Thursday, February 20 at 10:30am
Sensory-Friendly Performance (see details about sensory friendly performances below)
• Sunday, February 2 at 2pm
Use Code MACKID to receive a $2 discount per ticket. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended. Tickets are $14 (before discount) and can be purchased here or in person at the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Avenue. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount of $10 a ticket. Party packages also are available.
For more information, call 847-291-2995 or visit nbparks.org.
About Sensory-friendly Performances at the Northbrook Theatre:
The performance is structured to enhance accessibility for audience members and families with various sensitivities, allowing them to experience shows without the conventions of a traditional theatre setting.
As part of the performance, certain adjustments will be made, such as dimming the house lights instead of turning them off, reducing the volume of recorded sound during noisy moments and allowing audience members to talk and leave their seats during the performance. All seating will be general admission to better accommodate individual family needs and the lobby will be available as a quiet space for taking a break from the production. Families also are welcome to bring their own seat cushions, comfort objects and other support items during the show.
Audiences can expect a more relaxed atmosphere at our Sensory-Friendly performances which flip the conventional theatre environment and eliminate the structure, giving audience members the opportunity to view a performance and respond to it as they are most interested in and comfortable doing.
The added accessibility of Sensory-Friendly performances incorporates the Northbrook Park District’s Vision of delivering innovative park and recreation services to the community.
