Over the moon for Goodnight Moon on stage

By Christine Davis

“Goodnight Moon” is my two-and-a-half year old daughter’s favourite book. We have multiple copies and one of them is read to her each night. They’ve travelled with us to Florida, Cuba, even Graceland. So with Young People’s Theatre hosting the Seattle Children’s Theatre production of the beloved book, we had to go.

Geared for children ages 4 plus, I wasn’t sure if little Isabelle would make it through the 80-minute production, which includes a 10-minute break mid-way. But she was enthralled as I think any good little listener would be.

The play starts with a little bunny jumping into his favourite book and goes on to tell the story of what goes on beyond the pages. After the bunny is put to bed the typical kids’ bedtime pandemonium ensues and the stories behind all the things in the room are told.

Isabelle took a liking to the glow-in-the-dark mittens and socks, while Lawrence, call me “Larry”, the tooth fairy was my favourite scene.

Throughout the fast-paced, funny production, the piano player keeps the music going and his playful interactions with the cast are superb.

This was our first Young People’s Theatre experience and I hope we’ll have many more. The family-friendly facility played a great host, allowing my husband to care for our 10-week old son in the lobby while Isabelle and I caught the show, and generally making all the kids feel welcome and special, as was evident in the education director’s interaction with the children during the post-production question and answer period with the cast.

Goodnight Moon is playing at Young People’s Theatre until Saturday, March 19 with weekend and weekday matinees, as well as a special March Break schedule. Visit youngpeoplestheatre.ca for exact dates and times.