Stage Door News
Stage Door News
ST. JACOBS – Drayton Entertainment brings its wildly successful 2014 season to a close at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse with Snow White: The Panto, a fun-filled interactive adaptation of the family classic, on stage November 19th through December 21st. Audiences are encouraged to cheer the heroine and boo the villain in this fun-filled production brimming with magical melodies and comedic characters.
“Snow White is a timeless story that appeals to every generation,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “The magic and wonder of the holiday season becomes apparent when experiencing the magic of live theatre through the eyes of a child. So bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to the theatre and make some memories the entire family will remember fondly for years to come.”
Set in a faraway land, the beautiful princess Snow White runs away after discovering her stepmother, the wicked Queen Diabolica, plans to make her disappear. Jealous of Snow White, the Queen wants to be recognized by the Magic Mirror as the "the fairest in the land," but Snow White's beauty surpasses her own with lips as red as holly berries, hair as black as ebony wood, and skin as white as snow.
Guided by her loveable friend Nurse Tickle, Snow White wanders into the woods in search of refuge, and comes across a cottage in the woods occupied by seven dwarves. As time progresses, the dwarves grow to love their unexpected visitor, who cleans their house and cooks their meals.
With the help of a handsome Prince, it seems like happily ever after for Snow White until the Queen discovers she’s been betrayed by her woodsman, Woody. Snow White is alive and well. Armed with a poisoned apple, the Queen hatches a plan to get rid of Snow White for good. While the dwarves are away, the Queen, disguised as an old peddler woman, arrives at the cottage in the woods resolute to become the “fairest in the land.” Can the dwarves return home in time to save the day?
This magical musical production is in the capable hands of Director David Connolly, who has directed several hits for Drayton Entertainment including Legally Blonde earlier this season, and last year’s sold-out production of Peter Pan: The Panto among others. Connolly is joined by accomplished Choreographer Gino Berti, Music Director Charlene Nafziger, Set Designer J.C. Olivier, Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold, and Lighting Designer Simon Day.
An impressive cast has been assembled for this production including Julia McLellan as Snow White. Audiences may recognize McLellan as the rebellious preacher’s daughter, Ariel Moore, in Drayton Entertainment’s sold-out production of Footloose. Cast as Snow White’s charming Prince is Jamie McKnight, making his Drayton Entertainment debut. McKnight recently finished the National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz as the Scarecrow.
Jackie Mustakas plays the villainous Queen Diabolica, envious of the young and beautiful Snow White. Jenni Burke takes on the role of the loveable, witty fairy in the mirror. Drayton Entertainment favourite Tim Porter plays the Queen’s woodsman, Woody, who is tasked to get rid of Snow White but befriends her instead. Christopher Wilson takes on the dame role as Nurse Tickle, a quintessential female panto character that is performed by a male actor.
Stephan Dickson, Andrew Scanlon, and Sam Digiuseppe are the dwarves, Doc, Grumpy and Dopey. Rounding out the impressive cast are Ashley Arnett, Jason Franco, Caitlin Goguen, Sarah Matton and Kyla Musselman. Drayton Entertainment has also engaged 42 of the best and brightest local young people to perform in this production as part of the Children’s Chorus. Dozens of hopefuls from across Waterloo Region auditioned at an open call in October for the coveted spots, and will be announced next week. In addition to his role on stage, Jason Franco is the Children’s Chorus Rehearsal Director.
Snow White is proudly sponsored by Conestoga Mall and Strassburger Windows and Doors. Orchestra Sponsor is Arca Financial Group. 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.
Fall under the spell with Snow White: The Panto on stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from November 19th through December 21st. Regular performance tickets are $42.00 for adults; $25.00 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances scheduled before the official opening and groups of 20 or more are $34.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Ticket sales are soaring and theatregoers are encouraged to plan ahead. Tickets 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).
2014-11-05
St. Jacobs: Casting announced for "Snow White" at St. Jacob's Country Playhouse