The time-honored bedtime story, "Goodnight Moon" written by Margaret Wise Brown comes to life at Chicago Children's Theatre, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue. The classic tale depicts the story of a little bunny who cannot fall asleep until he wishes good night to every toy his bedroom.
"One thing they've really focused on is that feeling of not wanting to go to sleep, thinking that there are so many possibilities for play and so many things left in the day that you don't want to lay down and close your eyes and have it be over. This production just kind of explodes that idea," Alex Goodrich, who plays Bunny, said.
In recognition of that familiar bedtime experience, the Chicago Children's Theatre is using the musical to help make bedtime better for some children in need. It has partnered with the pajama program and is inviting each patron to bring a pair of new pajamas to donate to a child of any age or size.
"We like to use every play as an opportunity to teach our children in the community how to give to other children and this production we are emphasizing the Pajama Program," Jacqueline Russell, artistic director, Chicago Children's Theatre, said. "They were providing them to children in the foster care system, children waiting for adoption, children who have suddenly found themselves homeless."
For each pair of new pajamas donated, scholastic will donate a book. The idea is to make every child feel like he or she is going to bed in the comfort of home.
"If you can imagine what it must be like to be a child going to sleep at night, often in a different place, often alone. There's nothing like the comfort of bedtime, having your favorite pajamas to put on, feeling warm and safe and secure," Russell said.
"Goodnight Moon, the Musical" is running now through December 23rd at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre. Find out how to get tickets or host a pajama drive at chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
