By Lindsay Price

Theatrefolk Featured Play - Rainbows vs. Bunnies: Annihilation

Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight. Rainbows vs. Bunnies: Annihilation by Bradley Walton is a fun one-act comedy. Fun themes, fun characters... and a super fun title, of course!

Aaron is failing History, and his parents are angry.

Worried and anxious, he goes to the park, where he meets a bunny…a talking bunny. Then a rainbow appears. It talks, too. Both the rainbow and the bunny are determined to make Aaron happy—and to best one another in doing so—even though they both seriously freak Aaron out.

Eventually, Aaron learns the truth…that for centuries, rainbows and bunnies have been locked in a bitter rivalry to make people happy, and now he has been drawn into their struggle. But today, a new revelation will lead to the beginning of the end. This is the day of Rainbows vs. Bunnies: Annihilation!

Why did we publish this play?

First of all, the title makes me laugh. Always a good start. If it makes you laugh, you'll like the play. Because the title does not lie. There are bunnies. There are rainbows. They are fighting. And there's a teenager in the middle. Even now, writing this, the concept puts a big smile on my face.

Titles are important for Theatrefolk plays - we find that folks will read a play they don't know if the title acts as an inviting doorway. The particular door depends on the type of play your'e looking for.

If you're looking for something that will be fun for your students to perform and fun for your audience to watch, this piece is for you.

Let's hear from the author!

1. Why did you write this play?

The title (which was originally just "Rainbows vs. Bunnies") was one of those things that just popped into my head. It amused me and seemed like it had potential, so I wrote a play to go with it.

2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences?

There are two themes: The first is that working together is more productive than rivalry. The second is that there's insight to be gained from understanding your or someone else's true motivation for doing something.

3. What's the most important visual for you in this play?

Near the end there's a big fight going on and the bunnies and the colors of the rainbow all stand in dramatic action poses, essentially creating a tableau. It's important because a number of things are going on all at once: It's the climax of the play. It's a visual representation of the centuries-long rivalry between the rainbows and the bunnies. It foreshadows the future. It's the "a-ha" moment for Aaron, the character the rainbow and Mr. Hop-Hop the bunny have been trying to make happy. And also, it's funny and should be funny to look at.

4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be?

If you're having the rainbow performed by more than one person (and especially if you've got an actor for each color, giving you a total of seven performers) it will take time and patience to choreograph and synchronize their movements, but it'll be worth it in the end.

5. Why is this play great for student performers?

It's off-the-wall and it provides some great opportunities for choral performance.

6. Who is your favourite character in the play? OR Which character would you be in this play?

My favorite character is Mr. Hop-Hop, the bunny trying to make Aaron happy. Mr. Hop-Hop seems friendly and innocent at first, and he thinks he really does want to cheer Aaron up, but his motivations are murky--even to himself. When he finally realizes that he doesn't actually care about Aaron at all, it's a pretty funny moment.