From MuskokaUnlimited.com: Scrooge as a Panto? Yes, Please!
From MuskokaUnlimited.com:
The energy at the rehearsal was certainly palpable.
Whether it was the director herself or the leads or the supporting cast, and everyone in between, the community members putting together Robin Clipsham’s adaptation of Ebenezer Scrooge’s classic tale were full of vibrancy.
It bodes well for their upcoming performances of A Christmas Carol: A Holiday Pantomime taking place at the Algonquin Theatre on December 23 (10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) – just in time to get Christmas started off with a joyful glee.
For those unaware, a traditional British Pantomime (also known informally as a panto) is a type of theatre production geared towards a family entertainment experience that involves music, topical humour and slapstick comedy. It is usually produced during the holiday season and is based (often loosely based) on a well-known story.
As with most pantos, this story of Mr. Scrooge going from “Bah! Humbug!” to a genial soul, encourages the audience to sing along and participating in the transformation.
The cast is certainly excited about the upcoming show, including Abigail (Ab-sauce) Smith, the 11-year-old starring as Tiny Tim, who just nodded with a huge smile when asked if she’s enjoying working on the show.
Muskoka Unlimited also caught up with a trio of ladies who have been part of many theatrical productions in Muskoka throughout the years. They took some time out during rehearsals at the Muskoka Dance Academy to chat.
Pru Donaldson, who plays Scrooge’s Housekeepr Mrs. Dilber; JoAnn Bennett, who plays Scrooge’s Cook (Mrs. Pots); and Jo Ann Jordan, who plays Scrooge’s Laundress Mrs. Scrubbs, are all quite thrilled to be working together on this version of A Christmas Carol.
“It’s going to be really fun,” says Jordan, whose son Marshall Jordan and daughter in law Olivia Jordan are also in the play as Peter Cratchit and Belinda Cratchit, respectively. “There is so much going on in the world right now, including in Huntsville, that’s sad and it’s a just an afternoon to take your friends or family and enjoy it. And, of course, to experience theatre.”
Jordan has been a stage manager for several plays over the years. She was also one of the actors for an all-female adaptation of Julius Caesar a couple of summers ago. Having worked with several of the cast and crew, including Donaldson and Bennett, she says it’s wonderful to get to see people you know and enjoy doing theatre with.
More importantly, though, Jordan is delighted to work under the direction of Clipsham.
“She’s the most detailed and put together director I’ve ever worked with, and I tell you that because I appreciate her so much,” says Jordan.
Read the full story and find out more at: https://muskokaunlimited.com/2023/12/05/scrooge-as-a-panto-yes-please/
