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“Bunnicula,” the hugely popular
children’s story about an ambiguously
vampire-ish bunny, has
made its way
to the Tempe Performing Arts Center
stage via Childsplay Theatre Company.
“It’s like
going into a haunted house,” said Debra
K. Stevens, who plays Chester the Cat.
“You enjoy
letting yourself be scared.”
The tale that
was first brought to life by James and
Deborah Howe in 1979 has seen great
success with kids and in schools. It
follows the Monroe family as they happen
upon a rabbit while at the movie
Dracula. Fittingly, they name the
animal “Bunnicula.”
To Harold the
Dog and Chester the Cat, there seems to
be something unusual about the new pet.
Its black and white appearance, the
arrival of a cape, pointy teeth and
nocturnal habits all seem like too much
of a coincidence.
From there,
strange occurrences begin to happen at
the Monroe house, including the
discovery of a white tomato, drained of
its fluid. With other vegetables losing
their juices, it is up to Chester and
Harold to discover the rabbit’s true
nature.
Directed by
Adam Burke, the musical looks to
duplicate the success of the book
onstage. Burke says while the story is a
lot of fun, it covers important topics
as well.
“It asks
questions about friendship.”
Burke, who had
never heard of “Bunnicula” prior to the
production, said he learned that the
books were popular because they were
fun. Working with the cast and crew,
such as Stevens, was another part he
enjoyed.
“It’s been a
good time.”
Stevens, who
was familiar with the story prior to the
show, has been studying her part
carefully.
“(I’ve been)
observing my own cat for
characteristics.”
Stevens is no
novice to theater, as she has done close
to 90 shows with Childsplay alone.
This
particular show has been a memorable
experience for her, she says.
“Fast and
furious, it’s a lot of information
thrown at you quickly. (It’s been) a
little painful.”
The show
promises to be a lot of fun and is best
suited for families with children ages
five and older.
The production
runs Feb. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 and
March 4-5 and 11-12, with Saturday shows
at 2 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $22 for
adults and $18 for children, students
and seniors.
More information can be
found at www.childsplayaz.org or by
calling (480) 350-8101. |
