Review: Lightwire Theater’s MOON MOUSE: A SPACE ODYSSEY at Dallas Children’s Theatre is a neon spectacle and an unforgettable leap for mouse-kind

Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey

By: Ian Carney and Corbin Popp
Music Directed by: Jay Weigel

Produced by: Lightwire Theater

Audience Rating: G

Running Time: 1 hour

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Available

ASL Showing: Not Available

Sound Level: Comfortable

Audio/Visuals to prepare for: Bright flashing lights

Reviewed by Troy D. Murray

When people ask, “What show made you fall in love with the fine arts?” I am always brought back to a particular moment from my childhood: an in-the-park production of Peter and the Wolf. It was a mesmerizing sensory kaleidoscope for the eyes and ears that demonstrated the power instrumentation has in telling a compelling narrative. I never thought I would come across an experience that made me feel as captivated as I was back then, that is until now.

I felt this same awe-stricken feeling from my childhood when I witnessed Lightwire Theater’s production of Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey at Dallas Children’s Theatre. To say that this show is innovative, captivating, and truly unique would be the understatement of the century. The only way I can describe this experience is that it is a luminescent symphony for the senses, and I loved every second of it.

The name Lightwire Theater may be familiar to those who watched Season 7 of America’s Got Talent, as the company appeared as a semifinalist in 2012. Through the use of dance, LED lights, and high levels of immersion, Co-Founders Ian Carney and Corbin Popp garnered an immense following that has allowed them to continue bringing their scintillating productions to life.

Their latest creation, Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey, follows Marvin the Mouse and his journey to find glory and acceptance through an unforgettable expedition across the cosmos. This expedition achieves a larger-than-life atmosphere through the superb visions of its directing and technical teams. The masterminds that carry out Carney and Popp’s vision across the nation deserve ample amounts of praise for their contributions.

Tristan Rodney (Road Manager), CaitLyne Martin (Production Manager), and Stage Managers Gabriela Leodiou and Maddie Collins stand at the forefront of this masterpiece. Their expertise is magnified by the precise movement and expert-level blocking on display. The company flawlessly navigates pitch-black scenes without collision or casualty, all while operating massive, rafter-reaching puppet contraptions.

Jay Weigel (Music Director) and Brian Christensen (Sound Engineer) work in perfect harmony to deliver an accompanying soundtrack that keeps audiences engaged and involved. Together, this duo seamlessly transitions from string instrumentation to hit songs like “Rocket Man” by Elton John. Moon Mouse would not be nearly as memorable if not for the good vibrations being played through the loudspeakers.

The most stunning component of this production is the work of Lead Carpenter Jesus Gonzalez. The apparatuses the company operates are jaw-dropping in every sense of the word; enough cannot be said about the ingenious, yet simple, design of each character. From the small spider creatures fashioned from crutches to the "green people" made of dryer vents and the bicycle-brake-operated Moon Dragon, it is clear that Gonzalez used everything, including the kitchen sink, to construct these cutting-edge creations. To put it simply, wow.

The technical components of Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey harmonize marvelously, creating a high-tech playground that allows the company to fully realize every whimsical detail of Marvin’s celestial journey. Ian Carney, Eleanor B. Carney, Tomas Moquete, Calvin Rowe, and Johnathon Whalen work together to play a deceptively vast ensemble. Every cast member takes a turn as the leading mouse while simultaneously portraying the various characters and scenic elements of the space mission. There is not a single weak link in this immaculate group of performers, and their ability to control the LED components of their contraptions while performing at such a high level is nothing short of baffling.

Whether you are a parent looking to spend a memorable afternoon with your kiddos, or an active theatergoer with a desire to see something completely unique, this production will give you something to talk about upon leaving the theatre. Those looking to catch a glimpse at the glitz and glamor Lightwire Theater has to offer can follow their upcoming tour dates at https://www.lightwiretheater.com/.

Now you know, so go see the show!

Troy