Stage Door News
Stage Door News
ST. JACOBS – The St. Jacobs Country Playhouse brings its celebrated 2014 Season to a close with a fun-filled version of the cherished fairy tale Snow White in the British panto tradition. Theatregoers young and old are encouraged to cheer the heroine and boo the villain in this interactive adaptation of the family classic. Brimming with fantasy, silliness, magical melodies and comedic characters, Snow White: The Panto entertains audiences now through December 21st.
“Snow White is a timeless story that appeals to every generation,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to the theatre and make some memories with the entire family this holiday season.”
In a far away land, deep in the forest, audiences embark on an unforgettable adventure complete with all the beloved elements and characters from the traditional fairy tale including Snow White, the Prince, the dwarves, the magic mirror, the evil Queen and, of course, a few surprises.
Credited with several past Drayton Entertainment hits, including last year’s sold-out production of Peter Pan: The Panto, Director David Connolly has once again succeeded in mounting a production that captivates audiences of all ages. Connolly demonstrates an obvious flare for the pantomime genre delivering a funny and fast-paced production full of witty humour and heart.
Choreographer Gino Berti captures the light-hearted spirit of the show creating energetic dance numbers that make even the grumpiest dwarf want to jump up and dance along. Music Director Charlene Nafziger leads a top notch five-piece orchestra through clever comedy songs and show-stopping production numbers in a musical score that is well crafted to accompany this childhood favourite.
Jean-Claude Olivier has designed a set fit for a fairy tale that includes a beautiful wishing well and stunning backdrops. The visually appealing set is enhanced by Simon Day’s dreamlike lighting design.
Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold has outdone herself with extravagant costumes full of vibrant colours, cheery patterns and lots of glitz and glamour that help to bring this joyous story to life. From the Queen’s gorgeous gowns to Nurse Tickle’s outrageous outfits, the lavish costumes capture the essence of each character right down to the adorable forest animals.
As the leading lady in this charming story, Julia McLellan is perfectly wide-eyed and winsome as Snow White. McLellan recently impressed audiences and critics alike as Ariel Moore in the sold-out production of Footloose at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. Her marvellous singing voice and joyful energy make her ideally suited to the role of the sweet princess with the lips as red as holly berries, hair as black as ebony wood, and skin as white as snow.
Jamie McKnight, who recently finished the National Tour and Toronto productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz, takes on the role of the handsome Prince Justin. McKnight is equal parts charming and funny with all the right moves to capture the heart of a princess. As a former member of The Canadian Tenors, his terrific voice is also a standout throughout the production.
Drayton Entertainment favourite Jackie Mustakas is well cast as the wonderfully wicked Queen Diabolica, who is envious of Snow White’s youth and beauty. Mustakas captures the true spirit of the villainous Queen commanding the stage with every furrow of her deftly tweezed eyebrows and aptly inciting a cacophony of “boos” from the adoring audience. Tim Porter is appropriately delightful and bumbling as the Queen’s goofy woodsman, Woody.
A panto wouldn’t be complete without the dame and this production is no exception – Christopher Wilson is exceptionally funny as the outrageous Nurse Tickle. Wilson’s lavish costumes bring about hysterical laughter, and his unique physical humour elicits laughs at every turn. Jennifer Burke is delightfully sassy in her dual role as the Magic Mirror and the Blues Fairy.
Stephan Dickson gives a charismatic performance as Doc, the leader of the dwarves, while Andrew Scanlon is short-tempered but endearing as Grumpy. In his Drayton Entertainment debut, Sam DiGiuseppe is silly and sweet as the loveable dwarf Dopey. Ashley Arnett, Jason Franco, Caitlin Goguen, Sarah Matton and Kyla Musselman round out an impressive ensemble cast which also features 42 local children who perform on a rotating schedule in three groups throughout the run alongside the professional cast. In addition to his role on stage, Jason Franco is the Children’s Chorus Rehearsal Director.
“Pantos are a Christmas tradition and I couldn’t think of a better show to end this exceptional season in St. Jacobs,” says Mustakas. “We are thrilled with the response to Snow White: The Panto. Sales are soaring with tickets already over 85% sold out – I encourage families to plan ahead and buy tickets now.”
Snow White: The Panto is written by Caroline Smith with orchestrations and arrangements by Steve Thomas and Mike McClennan. Tickets are $42 for adults and $25 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $34. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Snow White: The Panto is proudly sponsored by Conestoga Mall and Strassburger Windows and Doors. The Orchestra Sponsor is Arca Financial Group. The Media Sponsor is KX 94.7 New Country FM. The Design Sponsor is Holiday Inn Express Waterloo. The Youth Theatre Education Sponsor is TD Bank Group. The 2014 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.
Snow White: The Panto is on stage now through December 21st. Tickets are on sale and can be conveniently purchased from any computer or mobile device by visiting www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com, in person at the Box Office, or by calling (519) 747-7788 or toll free 1-855- DRAYTON (372-9866).
Photo: Julia McLellan as Snow White and Jackie Mustakas as Queen Diabolica. ©2014 Erin McLellan.
2014-11-20
St. Jacobs: "Snow White: The panto" opens tonight at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse