Photos: New Production Shots from Sherman Playhouse's CINDERELLA

CINDERELLA is being presented as a ‘Panto’ or Pantomime in the British style. To make it very clear, there is absolutely no miming in British Pantomimes. A British Panto is a winter tradition of musical comedy theatre that takes familiar fairy tales and children's stories, like CINDERELLA, and injects a bit of vaudevillian sensibility, contemporary references, and lots and lots of audience participation to create a raucous, noisy entertainment that’s fun for the whole family. There are tuneful songs, delightful dancing, and funny jokes galore.

“British Panto is a lot of fun for children and adults alike,” said director and British-native Patricia Michael of Dover Plains, N.Y. “We have a wonderful and talented cast playing all of your favorite characters: Cinderella, The Fairy Godmother, Buttons, Prince Charming, Dandini, and, of course, the two Ugly Sisters. Bring the kids, bring granny, bring the whole family and come and have fun.” Ms. Michael also created this particular adaptation of CINDERELLA for the Sherman Playhouse stage.

“It’s lots of fun to be putting this show on and to be part of it as well,” said Robin Frome, who portrays Deputy Squeezem and is also the show’s producer and Sherman Playhouse President. “Panto is the way many English kids first experience the magic of theatre. And in the tradition of a Panto, we have the ‘Hero’ or Principal Boy, Prince Charming, being played by a girl, Erin Shaughnessey (New Milford). Likewise, the Panto ‘Dames,’ the Ugly Sisters, are being portrayed by two men (Jeff Solomon of New Milford and Bruce Tredwell of Brewster, NY). It’s crazy twists such as this that’ll provide great fun for American audiences right here in Sherman.”

Along with Ms. Shaughnessey, Mr. Frome, Mr. Solomon, and Mr. Tredwell, the large, talented cast features: Sophie Rundhaug (Danbury), Michelle Rakowsky (New Fairfield), Christine Amorin (Bethel), David and Katherine Almquist (Sharon), Spencer Hauspurg and Alyssa Svinte (both Sherman), and Tommy Ovitt, Martin Rosato, Sheila Echevarria, Cheyenne Brown, and Ava Biondino (all New Milford).

In addition to Ms. Michael and Mr. Frome, the show’s crew includes musical director Joanne F. Archibald, costumer Terry Hawley, lighting designer Peter Petrino, sound designer David White, and stage management by Amanda Brown with Maya Daley assisting.

CINDERELLA runs November 30 December 1,2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. on Fridays. There are 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees on December 1,2 8,9 15,16 22,23 29,30. PLEASE NOTE: There are no Saturday evening performances. Tickets for all shows are $20 for general seating for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

On Thursday, November 29, all patrons are invited to attend a "Half-Price Preview Night" at 8:00 p.m. where all tickets are only $10 for both adults and children. Students may see any performance for only $10 if they pay in cash only at the door and carry a valid student ID. Students may not make reservations in advance for a performance. Reservations can be made online at www.shermanplayers.org or by calling the box office at (860) 354-3622.

The Sherman Playhouse is a local, non-Equity theatre company located on 5 Route 39 North (next to the firehouse) in Sherman, Conn.

David Almquist as Sheriff Catchem and Sheila Echevarria as Baroness Hardup

Jeff Solomon as Tall Tessie and Bruce Dredwell as Big Bessie

Robin Frome as Deputy Squeezem, Sophie Rundhaug as Cinderella, and David Almquist

Jeff Solomon, Bruce Tredwell, and Erin Shaughnessey as Prince Charming

Sophie Rundhaug and Erin Shaughnessey

Robin Frome, David Almquist, Tommy Ovitt as Buttons, Jeff Solomon, and Bruce Tredwell