Ross Petty and his company delivers once again with a fantastically fun, fractured pantomime. This year, he takes on the story of The Wizard of Oz and creates A Toto-ly Twistered Family Musical.
The evervescenet Camille Eanga Selenge, hot off her Broadway role in The Book of Mormon, takes on the iconic role of Dorothy. You won’t be hearing the familiar strains of Somewhere Over the Rainbow in this version however. Dorothy is hip and modern and finds herself catapulted into OZ and the enemy of the Wicked Witch of the West, played by the pleasingly detestable Sara-Jeanne Hosie, after she accidentally squishes the Wicked Witch of the East (blame global warming).
There is a reason that Eddie Glen is a fan favorite, he consistently delivers wildly entertaining portraits with lighting fast comedic timing. After 16 years, he rolls with any punches his castmates or the audience throws at him.
One of my favorite characters from past productions was Plumbum played by Dan Chameroy. I was initially disappointed to find out there was another Bum in town, Sugarbum. I didn’t need to worry however as Michael De Rose ‘rose’ (ha, that was accidental) to the occasion and hilariously supplied an entertaining Bum.
There is also a funny trio taking on the roles of the Lion (Daniel Williston), the Tin Man (Eric Craig) and the Scarecrow (Matt Nethersole). The ensemble is always filled with an exceptional cast of singing and dancing dynamos. And I can’t forget the sweet dog Olive, taking on the role of Toto. Olive even joined in on the final song, howling throughout, it was perfect.
Michael De Rose as Sugarbum The Good Witch of the North, Sara-Jeanne Hosie as Sulphura The Wicked Witch of the West, Daniel Williston as Lion, Matt Nethersole as Scarecrow.
Tracey Flye is back for her 11th season to direct and choreograph and as usual, the show is totally en pointe, moving at a perfect pace. One of my guests was a 6 year old boy and he was entertained for the entire running time of the show, that’s a testament to how entertaining these shows are. Matt Murray is back as script writer and his comic flair and strong writing is evident once again. Cory Sincennes creates a beautiful landscape of colour and glitter with his set and costume design. Kudos as well to Kimberly Purtell’s lighting design and Peter McBoyle’s sound design.
The show runs until January 5/2019. If Ross Petty and his hilarious pantos aren’t already part of your Christmas traditions, make this year the year. Fun for everyone!
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