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Caution: Knuffle Bunny just may leave you feeling silly

Times Observer photos by Martha Rogus Eden Wennberg, who plays Trixie, poses with the bunny during a practice session of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. The Warren Players’ production is slated for Feb. 23, 24, 25 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.

Times Observer photos by Martha Rogus Eden Wennberg, who plays Trixie, poses with the bunny during a practice session of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. The Warren Players' production is slated for Feb. 23, 24, 25 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.The Warren Players presents: Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale on Feb. 23, 24 and 25 at 7 p.m., and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Struthers Library Theatre.

The original musical was written by six-time Emmy-winner Mo Willems, and Grammy-winner Michael Silversher. The children’s story book with the same name is an adventure with young Trixie, her father, and Trixie’s stuffed bunny. It sounds like a simple tale, but the Warren Players’ production is a funny, heartfelt, and infused with action and antics.

Why Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale?

The “n” in Knuffle is sounded-out, not silent. KNuffle. “It’s Dutch for snuggle,” Linda Morgan explained.

It seems the musical had already been decided upon when Linda Morgan, and her daughter Samantha Morgan, replaced the first director. The musical was three weeks behind schedule when the Morgan team came on board. But they worked hard and, with a great cast , energized by Rev. Rick Nelson who serves as stage manager, it’s on track for sure.

The Cast?

To find Morgan and the cast, just follow Morgan’s directions to the Allegheny Regional Theater Experience (ARTE) paper sign, and walk up the 70 steps to the third floor of Struthers to the practice stage.

Renovation to the theater is still underway, and will be for months, but the cast seems happy and proud to be there, in spite of construction.

Nine-year-old Eisenhower fourth-grader Marisa Palmieri is part of the ensemble – which entails dancing, singing, and puppetry. She said, in one scene, “they go against the dad,” as part of a trick.

Difficult to go against the “dad,” with her rea father, John Palmieri, standing next to her for the interview, Marisa said, “Not really.”

“I’m used to it,” he said, chuckling.

Marisa has two costume changes: a black outfit so people won’t see her on stage, and a colorful outfit for the “wishy-washy” scene. She is also part of the estimated 10-foot-long Snake Tie.

Marissa said scenery changes include: a house, the city, a laundromat, washing machines and some of the scenes appear more than once. And there is more than one bunny in the play: one is stuffed, and one is human.

Marisa is a member of the Warren Players and also appeared in: Winnie-the-Pooh, Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, Linda Dies Dance Express Christmas, and is involved in other Allegheny Regional Theater Experiences (ARTE).

One more thing, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale is paced just right. It’s not too fast, or too slow. It’s just right for the actors and audience to enjoy – according to Marisa.

Who plays Trixie, the main character? And who else stars?

Michael Stenberg plays Trixie’s dad. Next is Sam Smith, who is in the ensemble, and plays the Washing Machine. Wait a minute.

Sam plays a washing machine?

“It’s a hula hoop with clothes attached, and the kids make it work like a washing machine with lots of action,” Director Linda Morgan explained.

“I’m also the wonder bra…” Sam explained.

The cast breaks out in laughter.

Next is Abigail Wilson.

Abigail is in the ensemble, and is Trixie’s understudy. Then comes Gwenith Damon (ensemble, another washing machine, and part of the Snake Tie), Zack Robertson (ensemble, life-sized Knuffle Bunny), Linda Morgan (director), Samantha Morgan (Trixie’s mom, Linda Morgan’s real-life daughter and co-director), Rev. Rick Nelson (stage director, director of vocals, and voice of Pigeon), Amanda Johnson (ensemble, Pigeon, and Giant Pair of Boxers), and finally – Eden Wennberg (Trixie).

Can we clarify some things? Are the wonder bra and giant boxers cardboard cut-outs, or costumes?

“The giant boxer shorts are really giant boxer shorts!” Amanda (Pigeon) said, laughing.

“And so is the wonder bra,” Eden (Trixie) said, quite seriously.

“Sam can hold his water bottle with no hands,” Eden continued.

The cast roars.

Is there anything else worth mentioning?

Several members agreed that the song, Bradley from Hadley, is worth mentioning.

Bradley is someone mom could have married, but didn’t. The cast recommends the audience pay attention to this scene because they had a lot of fun working on it. But it seems like they had fun with each other.

t’s “funny, but also heartfelt,” said Rev. Nelson. “It will be the best time you’ll ever have in a laundromat.”

The audience will be in stitches laughing, and in tears, according to Rev. Nelson. He said it was a good group and they had fun working together.

Tickets are $14 for adults, and $12 for seniors and students, and available at strutherslibrary.com, Struthers Library Theatreoffice, or charge by phone at (814) 723-7231.

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