As a musical theatre aficionado, I am always on the lookout for new, contemporary musicals featuring scores from composers with whom I might not be familiar. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, a family theatre piece which makes a return engagement to the Kennedy Center this holiday season, features a strong score by theatre newcomers Michael Silversher (music) and Mo Willems (lyrics). Silversher is an Emmy-nominated composer that has written for television, but not much for the theatre. It encompasses a variety of styles and influences- from patter songs, to jazz, to contemporary musical theatre-like pop ballads. One of the strongest melodies is found in one of the first songs in the show, “Tricky with Trixie,” in which two parents explore the joys and frustrations of childrearing. Upon hearing that song, I immediately became engaged in the show. If his work in this show is any indication of his musical talent and ear for strong melodies, I hope to hear more of his work on stage.
Tia Shearer as Trixie. Photo courtesy of The Kennedy Center.
Of course, Knuffle Bunny is not a concert, but rather a musical based on a very popular, award-winning children’s book. At the core, the story is quite simple: Two young parents struggle with raising a boisterous and energetic little toddler, Trixie, who has a certain affinity for a stuffed rabbit she has named ‘Knuffle Bunny.’ Tensions run high when her father, who is not very experienced in understanding what Trixie wants or needs, takes her to the Laundromat and her beloved toy is left behind. The central question of the show is whether young Trixie will be reunited with her little stuffed friend or whether it is lost for good.
Mo Willems, author of the book by the same name, does a commendable job in reworking his book so that it can be presented on stage through both spoken dialogue and song.While the story is very appropriate for children, many of whom are likely familiar with the book, the smart and witty book/lyrics make it interesting for their parents as well- particularly parents that might, too, be dealing with the joys (and sometimes frustrations) of raising a willful toddler. The catchy melodies featured in the songs, likewise, make the story even more accessible the young and the old.
A strong cast brings this story to life under the strong direction of Rosemary Newcott. Brittany Baratz is quite strong as ‘Mom.’ Her acting choices are very appropriate for a young mother who clearly loves her child, but what makes her memorable is her very strong and clear singing voice. Paul Edward Hope, who portrays ‘Dad,’ deals quite adeptly with his comedic role. Although his singing voice is not quite as strong as the other cast members, his acting more than makes up for it. His broad gestures and larger than life presence are ideal for a children’s piece.
Tia Shearer as Trixie and Knuffle Bunny. Photo courtesy of The Kennedy Center.
Tia Shearer, who quite possibly has the most difficult job because she has to sing and act as a toddler for nearly an hour, steals the show as Trixie. She makes the audience forget that it’s an adult playing the role, and everything from her petulant facial expressions, to exuberant dancing and ‘baby talk’ is endearing. Her standout moment is when she sings a song completely in gibberish (adorned with a feather boa, standing behind a glitzy and rather funny microphone) to express her sadness about losing her rabbit. “Aggie, Flaggle, Klabble” is not a song you’ll find in many a musical, but it certainly works in this one.
Although the music and the story are definitely the focus of this production, it also features very nice production values. Kat Conley has designed a wonderful set. Using a series of projections, the audience is immediately transported to a house, the streets of NYC, a Laundromat, and the inside of a washing machine (yes, really). While projections can certainly be overdone in musicals, they work well in this production because they don’t detract from the action. The washing machine projections, in particular, are ingenious. Conley is also responsible for some rather delightful puppets. The large stuffed rabbit, the flying bird, and even an oversized piece of laundry are colorful and interesting puppets, which are brought to life by two talented puppeteers – Jonathan Atkinson and Andrea Washington – who are also featured as dancers and sometimes choral singers. They handle all of their roles with ease. Paige Hernandez’s modern choreography also adds a little something extra to the show. It’s quite suitable for both the young Trixie, who is just learning to walk, and her parents.
What this production lacks is a live band. Though it is certainly understandable that this show does not feature live musicians (it is a touring, children’s production after all), the addition of a band would ensure that Deborah Wicks La Puma’s strong musical arrangements are featured more prominently, which would be well-deserved. It would also add even more excitement to the show. Nonetheless, the backing track does suffice.
Paul Edward Hope (Dad), Tia Shearer (Trixie), and Brittany Baratz (Mom), find Knuffle Bunny (YEAH!). Photo courtesy of The Kennedy Center.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical is compelling as it is and is highly recommended for parents and children, as well as the young at heart.
Running Time: 45 minutes without an intermission.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical plays through January 8, 2011, at The Kennedy Center – 2700 F Street, NW, in Washington, DC. For tickets, call the box office at (202) 467-4600, or purchase them online.
Jennifer Perry has been a DC resident for over 10 years having moved from Upstate New York to attend graduate school at American University's School of International Service. When not attending countless theatrical performances in Washington, DC and New York, she works for the US Federal Government as an analyst. She enjoys leveraging her writing and analytic skills, honed in the international affairs and sociology fields, to examine local theatrical works and the perspectives that they offer on the world.
