Sunny Ray and the Magnificent Moon

As consummate, flexible performers, Claire Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias present two well-rounded personas - Sunny Ray and Magnificent Moon, respectively. 

This show is great entertainment for four to eight year olds and their parents and anyone who can be a big kid at heart when watching fun performances. 

Sunny Ray is a round and lively Sun.  She is very cute; in fact she perfectly pulls off the lovely innocent persona of a three year old.  Her wide-eyed innocence is charming and basic sincerity is very appealing to her audience.  She is a comforting creature of habits the perfect character for younger audience members to connect with.  And she blows bubbles to enhance the world’s atmosphere.

Magnificent Moon is the total narcissist who lives in a ‘cool atmosphere hanging out with the stars.’  His songs amuse and delight as he swivels his hips, a bit like Elvis.  With his smooth mellow vocals Magnificent Moon is a hit with older kids and Mums alike.  Quite obviously he knows all about naughtiness!

The theme and story is simple and clear.  It is basically about Sunny Ray wanting to stay up late and party – party all night.  Not such a great idea as it turns out but a perfect story for the age group.  There is lovely audience interaction through questioning from the performers.

The show contains a number of fun and funny songs boppy songs and a couple of great kids jokes.

The children in the audience, when I attended, seem to be having fun particularly a number of real littlies who were entranced and grooving along with the great music.

Another really satisfying work from Arena Theatre Company that will hopefully be around and touring for a while, so keep an eye out for it if you have missed this short season.

Suzanne Sandow