Theatre Artists Studio Presents Father Christmas and the Snow Queen 12/3-19
By: Gabrielle Sierra Dec. 02, 2010
Mention the word "pantomime" and you're likely to conjure up images of annoying street performers with painted faces struggling to escape from imaginary boxes. That's not the case with British pantos, however. Traditionally performed at Christmas, British pantomime (more commonly called "panto") is a popular form of theatre incorporating song, dance, slapstick and audience participation that is almost always based on traditional children's stories.
Following the success of last year's production, Theatre Artists Studio is presenting Father Christmas and the Snow Queen, December 3-19, 2010. This year's production features new dances.In this original English panto, two children go through a magical cupboard to rescue Father Christmas and release all of the toys and children enslaved by the evil Snow Queen. Along the way they encounter the Snow Queen's evil henchman Modo; pursue Flibberdigibbet, the Snow Queen's head cat; meet a talking Sign Post; visit the Emperor of Toyland; and escape from the skeletons who rule the Forest of the Night. The children are aided in their search by our Dame - Widow Tremble (played by a man and a take-off of the old woman who lived in the shoe) and "her" kids. "These plays work at every level," says playwright Alan Austin. "For children, it is an entertaining fantasy story about overcoming wicked forces. They are encouraged to participate and affect the action. For adults, part of the fun is watching their children as well as appreciating some of the asides and topical jokes."Videos