BWW JR: Knuffle Bunny- A Cautionary Tale

Last weekend, Little Guy and I took the voyage downtown to the Manhattan Children's Theatre's new space at 380 Broadway.  Before I tell you how terrific this show is, a word of warning: DO NOT BRING A STROLLER.  I wish someone had told me that I'd be greeted by a 4-floor walkup.  Once we made it up the steps, we were greeted by a friendly staff and beautiful, well-lit playing space that is ideal for a children's show...if only there were an elevator.

The good news is that our stroller-climb was well worth it.  Not only did I get an enhanced weekend workout, the show did not disappoint.  Based on Mo Willems' adorable book by the same name, this production lived up to the company's mission statement: Delivering a story at a child's level while not compromising adult theatrical values.

The story was told in a way that was easily graspable by my three-year-old Little Guy, yet hilarious and entertaining to me.  Most of the downtown parent crowd identified with the overly-confident "cool dad" character, and the kids (and parents) all got a kick out of the blabbering toddler "Trixie", who sparks an adventure when she loses her favorite toy, Knuffle Bunny.

 I have to say, as co-chair of my son's preschool Library Committee, I was indeed embarrassed to learn that you are supposed to pronounce the "K" in "Knuffle Bunny".  I always assumed it was silent.  Sorry, Mo.

Complete with homage to Willems' familiar pigeon cartoon, the show served up some genuine laughs and subtle lessons in a very hip, "downtown" way.

GET TO THE POINT, MOM!

• An adorable and entertaining musical based on Mo Willems' classic book.
• Playing at the Manhattan Children's Theatre's new space at 380 Broadway.
• Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 and 2:00, now through March 25^th.
• For more information and to purchase tickets, visit MCTNY's website at http://mctny.org/
• Don't bring a stroller!

Erin Leigh Peck is a New York based actor, writer and mother. She has performed on and off Broadway, in regional theatre and on tour, in films and on television. She most recently appeared Off-Broadway in The Toxic Avenger Musical and can often be seen on television in various commercials. Erin's play Mother of Mine is a contemporary 'dramedy' about pregnancy, parenthood and postpartum. She is the proud and busy mother of two extremely awesome kids. Please visit her web site, www.ErinLeighPeck.com.

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