Second Star to the Right,
and Straight on Till Morning
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes
Pirates, mermaids, a crocodile, a fairy, a giant dog, and the boy who never grows up! If you weren’t able to catch Peter Pan: The Panto at a Drayton theatre last year, you can head to Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend until the beginning of September to see this fun show. Pantos are always popular with kids and adults alike so don’t hesitate to bring the whole family if you can!
The fun in the Panto is that the story is a steep modification of the original, and the audience is encouraged to participate, so improvisation skills are a must (such as with the amusing mustache mishap on opening night). Pantos are fast-paced, with lots of music, dancing and action. The story is familiar, with the Darling family, Peter and Tinker Bell, and Captain Hook who would love to pull the plug on Pan, but there are several differences, particularly the addition of the character Nelly Copperbottom.
Copperbottom is performed in both heels and Crocs by Justin Bott. He is always a crowd-pleaser playing a woman, having played one in Wizard of Oz: The Panto and in both the Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Beanstalk Pantos. The costumes are always over the top and Rachel Berchtold’s costumes for this character are brilliant, including the “ship-head” (Be careful how you say that!)
Lia Luz, who was Dorothy in Wizard of Oz: The Panto, is an enthusiastic and upbeat Peter Pan. Andrew Scanlon is outstanding as Mr. Darling and Captain Hook. Hadley Mustakas is delightful (pun intended) as Tinker Bell, and Jackie Mustakas is over-the-top as the Mermaid Queen and lovely as Mrs. Darling. Zoë Brown is perfect as Wendy, the girl on the cusp of adulthood. A delightful surprise comes in the character of Smee, hilariously played by Stephanie Pitsiladis. This talented cast employs proper British (and Scottish in the case of Copperbottom) accents in their roles. There are two alternating children’s choruses that represent the children of Neverland.
The simple set with a reliance on props is perfect for the busy cast. From the Darling bedroom to various locations in Neverland, set pieces are uncomplicated but motivating to the imagination and the transitions between locations are seamless.
One comment I heard was that the story was hard to follow. Perhaps it isn’t the best of Caroline Smith’s Pantos, but the opening night audience was packed with children, everyone was incredibly enthusiastic, and the energy was high. The music is modern and fun. A very creative substitute for flying is employed, and credit goes to the actors who pull off this feat! And if you are an extroverted child, you can dress up as your favourite character (I saw at least one Peter Pan) and perhaps get chosen to participate on stage.
In preparation for the show, please indulge the geek in me as I explain that Poop Deck means a raised platform at the stern of the ship. It comes from the French la poupe, which means the stern. Be sure to relax and enjoy the silly jokes that bring out your inner child have you looking for that second star to the right!
Peter Pan – The Panto continues until September 1st at Huron Country Playhouse, South Huron Stage. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000, Toll-Free at 1-855-372-9866, or by checking www.huroncountryplayhouse.com for availability.
Photos: Upper: Lia Luz, Hadley Mustakas, Fae Lewis, Zoë Brown, Miles Avery. Lower: Justin Bott, Andrew Scanlon. Photo by Drayton Entertainment.
Peter Pan – The Panto
Written by Caroline Smith
Directed and Choreographed by David Connolly
Assistant Choreographer – Christine Watson
Performed by Justin Bott, Zoë Brown, Bryce Johnson, Fae Lewis, Lia Luz, Hadley Mustakas, Jackie Mustakas, Powell Norbert, Stephanie Pitsiladis, Andrew Scanlon, Christine Watson, Savanna Wright, Seth Zosky
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
South Huron Stage, Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
August 7 to September 1, 2024
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes