I have to admit, as much as I love theater, I was skeptical that a children’s book with 50 words could be turned into an engaging and entertaining play, even for children. However, the musical adaptation of “Goodnight Moon” by Chad Henry is surprisingly just that. This past weekend I took my girls (ages four and seven) to see The Highland Park Players perform Goodnight Moon and was pleasantly surprised at what a good show it was.
If you go
Goodnight Moon performed by The Highland Park Players
Feb. 21 & 22 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Edgewood Middle School, 929 Edgewood, Highland Park
Tickets available at the door: or online.
How did they turn a story of a rabbit saying goodnight to everything in his room into an hour long musical? Well, the best way to describe it would be to imagine that the book is just a snapshot and the musical has the behind-the-scenes of what’s really going on in that room. Anyone who has ever put a stalling child to bed over and over, and over again, will relate to the scenarios played out by the bunny and Old Lady.
The musical covers everything from who’s making all the noise (Nobody of course!) to how two cats can sit with a basket of yarn and ignore it (They don’t). In different scenes each of the important parts of the story come alive in their own little sketches. We meet mouse, we learn what the Bears on Chairs do at night and we cheer on Clarabelle the Cow as she attempts to jump over the moon. There is also a cameo from another beloved children’s bunny story, “Runaway Bunny.”
The set is a perfect replica of the beloved and well recognized story. The cast is fun and energetic throughout the whole show. Be prepared to be wowed by the voice of the Dish and surprised by who the tooth fairy is. The only downside is that the children who would enjoy this show the most, the two-to-four-year-olds, probably will have a hard time sitting through an hour long show at 12:30 p.m.. My two-year-old was engaged for most of it but started to fade at the end. My almost eight-year-old (who loves theater) enjoyed the show and musical numbers.
Personally, I am still smiling at the energy and character of bunny and mouse. They play off of each other really well and do a great job evoking the spirit of a toddler that will not go to bed. It was a great performance by all with upbeat musical numbers throughout and surprises that will keep you smiling. The cast invites all the kids up at the end of the show to meet them, take pictures and sign autographs which my kids loved.
Goodnight Moon is playing for one more weekend. Seats are general admission so plan on arriving at least 30 minutes early.
