From Buttons to Riches
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes
A fresh new season has begun at Huron Country Playhouse, with David Connolly as the new Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. Starting with a Panto, with many familiar faces in the cast, is a good way to draw crowds from tiny tots to their grandparents.
Ah, Cinderella’s world, where if you are mean and ugly with big feet, you can’t find happiness. If you are pure of heart, honest, good and kind, you get the handsome fella. Cinderella: The Panto is a definite win for the kids, with enough adult humour and fun music to keep the parents entertained as well.
Cinderella’s father is Baron Notapenny, whose new bride, Medusa Notapenny, only married him for his title. Medusa is the rich one and therefore in control. She has two daughters, Revolta and Atrocia, played by two kings of the Panto, Justin Bott and Billy Lake. Costume designer Rachel Berchtold did a wonderful job of matching their names to their costumes. They did indeed look revolting and atrocious. Just like in the original Cinderella, they are cruel to Cinders and each one is out to land the prince for themself. Only the Fairy Godmother (Stephanie Pitsiladis) can perform magic to save Cinderella from her fate.
There are a few differences from the traditional story. There’s the addition of a somewhat gender neutral character and Cinders’ best friend, called Buttons, played by AJ Bridel, who does a terrific job of entertaining the children of the audience, as well as the character of Dandini, the prince’s valet, brilliantly played by Aaron Walpole. The children’s chorus, a menagerie of puppet critters, and the ensemble fill the stage with excitement, colour and David Connolly’s wonderful choreography. In the audience, it’s fun to see some of the young ones wear princess dresses and tiaras.
As usual for the Panto, young audience members are chosen to participate in some extra fun while the cast gets ready for the finale. AJ Bridel is a natural at bringing excitement to the kids. Jackie Mustakas is the fabulously mean Baroness Notapenny, whom everyone loves to boo. And the romantic leads make a perfect pair. Hadley Mustakas is the compassionate, pure of heart, good, kind and everyone’s favourite character, Cinderella. Callum Lurie is the dashing, handsome Prince Charming.
The fact that Revolta and Atrocia are influencers seems a little cliche already, and my companion found their selfies and filming a little distracting from the story. I didn’t mind it, but I’ve seen too many similar characters on television lately. Perhaps it would have been better to keep their characters a bit more old-timey. In contrast, the modern music, including hits by Canadian singers Avril Lavigne and Shania Twain, works well, as do the local and political jokes. The updated carriage that takes Cinderella to the ball, as well as other modern inclusions like rollerblades, add to the fun.
Caroline Smith’s Pantos are always great fun for all. If you have a kiddo or two, or need a fun distraction, I recommend you go and see the fun for yourself.
Cinderella: The Panto continues until June 21 at Huron Country Playhouse, South Huron Stage. It moves to Kings Wharf Theatre from November 5th to November 22nd, then to St. Jacobs from November 27th to December 28th. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000, or Toll-Free at 1-855-372-9866, or by checking www.huroncountryplayhouse.com for availability.
Photo: Photo by Hilary Gauld, Drayton Entertainment.
Cinderella: The Panto
Written by Caroline Smith
Directed and choreographed by David Connolly
Music Director – Steve Thomas
Performed by Hadley Mustakas, Callum Lurie, Jackie Mustakas, Neil Barclay, AJ Bridel, Stephanie Pitsiladis, Justin Bott, Billy Lake, Aaron Walpole, et al.
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
South Huron Stage, Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
June 4 to June 21, 2025
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes
King’s Whart Theatre, Penetanguishene – Nov. 5 to 22, 2025
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, St. Jacobs – Nov. 27 to Dec. 28, 2025