The book that nearly every grade-school student was forced to read is now performed at the Empress Children’s Theater for the Halloween season.
For those who don’t remember the book, “Bunnicula” is the story a family’s cat and dogs who fear that the new pet in the house, a rabbit found mysteriously in a movie theater, might really be a vampire! The well-read and increasingly paranoid cat is the first to be suspicious, and ends up in compromising situations when trying to prove the bunny’s true nature. I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say that it’s wrapped up in a way that only children’s books can be.
When I went to the play, I wasn’t expecting a musical. Going to a play and being surprised by singing and dancing can be a little disconcerting. But don’t let that scare you if musicals aren’t your bag, because the non-singing parts definitely carry the show.
The main character and narrator is Harold the dog, but Chester the cat commands the stage as the dominating know-it-all. The actress who plays the male Chester shows a surprisingly engaging demonstration of feline body language and is a wonderful juxtaposition to the body language of old Harold. With the Monroe family playing mostly a supporting role, the interactions between Harold and Chester are the highlights of the whole performance. This cheerful and goofy play is worth the trip downtown (even considering public transportation). Bring the kids.
One final word of advice for those with sensitive ears: After the intermission, prepare yourself for a scream the likes of which haven’t been heard since Jamie Lee Curtis. If you’re reading this, Ms. Monroe… that is one impressive scream.
“Bunnicula” will be playing at the Empress Theater, located on 3’rd Avenue inside the Co-op Plaza, from October 18 to November 4 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, and an additional 2 PM showing on November 3’rd. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children under 18 (too bad for all the children above 18). Sorry, no student discounts.
