A Rowdy and Fun Experience at “A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS” in Pasadena

THEATRE REVIEW

Olivia Sanabia in “A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS” (Photo – Curtis Brown)

If you are not familiar with British panto style theater, it involves audience participation in the show – you are encouraged to cheer for the hero, boo the bad guy, try to keep the innocent out of harm’s way when they are about to do something that you know they shouldn’t (like Snow White munching on the apple).

By Carol Edger Germain

American panto seems to be milder than the British shows, but still a rowdy and fun experience.

This updated version of Snow White was no exception, fun for kids as well as adults. I found myself shouting and singing along with the kids (but when they were singing “YMCA” I didn’t embarrass myself, I never could get that right, but the adults were loving it and showing their kids how to do it). The addition of Muddles (Jared Gertner) as the court jester, with a touch of ringleader and instigator, tied it all together and added the humor. The set, with its special effects and quick changes, was full and detailed, as expected from the Lythgoes. The Queen’s evil throne was especially dramatic, would love it for a Halloween display. The costumes were colorful and detailed, and the seven dwarfs were just adorable.

Plenty of jokes and puns, plenty of really funny lines, along with a few “oh no he didn’t” groaners. A few spicy innuendo jokes and references were added for adults, but nothing wildly inappropriate, just enough to solidify selling it as fun for all. It was a long show, nearly two hours, plus some fun for the kiddies before it started, but it was so fast and provided opportunities for participating so it didn’t seem that long, kids were going full force until the end, no time to fidget. Snow White (Olivia Sinabia) and Prince “Harry” (Michael Campion), while excellent in their roles, were not written to be the stars of the show. They were played straight and squeakily innocent, while the other characters and action skewered forcefully around them. Grammy winner Michelle Williams as Snow White’s aunt/queen was a powerhouse, you felt her presence before she opened her mouth. Another fun touch was Neil Patrick Harris as the soul of the Magic Mirror, who could not tell a lie. Garrett Clayton as the Huntsman was strong throughout but as his character grew and he stood up for himself and thwarted the Queen’s evil plot he really brought it home and brought down the house. Of course, it all turns out happy happy happy, it is a fairy tale, after all! It has a short run,

just six performances left Thursday December 19 through Sunday December 22. Fit it into your busy holiday schedule if at all possible!

(L-R) Michelle Williams as The Wicked Queen, Michael Campion and Jared Gertner in “A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS” (Photos – Curtis Brown)

A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS
• Cast:
Olivia Sanabia, Michelle Williams, Neil Patrick Harris, Michael Campion, Garrett Clayton, and Jared Gertner.
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, California 91101
• 12/19, 12/20 – 7:00 pm.
• 12/21, 12/22 – 1:00 pm. and 5:00 pm.
• Park at the mall or on the street if possible, venue parking is $15.
• General admission: $28 – $108 (discount tickets available at godlstar.com)
Purchase tickets here.