Landmark brings two children’s classics to the stage

The Island Now

The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia has earned international acclaim for its unique interpretations of the works of Eric Carle (“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”), Leo Lionni (“Swimmy,” “Frederick” and “Inch by Inch”) and Sam McBratney (“Guess How Much I Love You”).

These widely-travelled productions incorporate innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects, and evocative original music to provide very young audiences with an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading. The troupe will now bring the classic children’s books, “Goodnight Moon” and “The Runaway Bunny,” to Landmark on Main Street on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd, both tales feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security.

Mermaid’s staged adaptation will bring a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.

In “Goodnight Moon,” a young rabbit goes through a bedtime ritual of saying goodnight to every object in sight and in his imagination, from the pictures on the walls to the brush and comb, to the moon and stars, to “the old lady whispering hush.” The text is written in the form of a rhyming poem.

In “The Runaway Bunny,” a young bunny tells his mother he wants to run away. “If you run away,” says his mother, “I will run after you.” And so begins an imaginary game of chase. Whatever the little bunny declares he will change himself into — a fish, a rock, a bird, a boat, etc. — his mother replies that she, too, will change herself so that she can always keep her little bunny safe and protected.

The performance of “Goodnight Moon” and “The Runaway Bunny” employs a variety of styles of puppets, including rod and table-top puppets, to tell the two stories. Amazingly, all of the puppets and scenic elements are manipulated by just three puppeteers.

Ideal for children ages 2 to 6, tickets to the production can be purchased by calling Landmark at 516-767-1384 or going to www.landmarkonmainstreet.com.

Landmark on Main Street is located at 232 Main St. in Port Washington.

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