Review: Snow White

Deliciously Dopey and Delightfully Good
Ross Petty’s Snow White has a little bit of something for everyone
by Stuart Munro

Now in their 17th year, the Ross Petty Pantos have become something of a holiday tradition here in Toronto, and it's no wonder – these high-energy productions have managed to thrill and delight audiences of all ages for close to two decades, and last night’s opening of Snow White: The Deliciously Dopey Family Musical was no exception. That rare blend of just right for the kids but oh-so-vulgar for the adults make this an evening everyone can enjoy.

The Panto tradition is an import from England where it is a holiday staple. A classic, well known story is mixed with contemporary music and jokes, and headlined by a few well known names to create an unforgettable night out for the family. The plot of the original story tends to be little more than a jumping off point, as is evident here. Seven Dwarves? Who needs ‘em?! This year we have Snow White and 007! 

“I need my boos! Just ask the bartender in the lobby!”

Leading the cast are Mr. Petty himself as The Evil Queen, Farfrompoopin; Eddie Glen as Infestus the Fool; Stratford alumnus Graham Abbey as Bond, James Bond; and Canadian Idol Melissa O’Neil as Snow White. Ross Petty seems to revel in his role as the evil queen, and as the audience booed his every entrance, his face lit up as he exclaimed “I need my boos! Just ask the bartender in the lobby!” I don’t want to give much away, but I don’t think you’ve actually lived until you’ve seen Mr. Petty performing “Gangnam Style” in a sequined pink dress. Eddie Glen, now in his 10th year with the Panto, gets the show rolling with a brilliant recap of the 16 productions which have preceded it. Mr. Glen is clearly at home here, and has comic timing to die for. Graham Abbey is a dashing and suave James Bond. A seasoned classical actor, Mr. Abbey is just as comfortable on the Panto stage (stumbling after a rather physical move, he simply looked at the audience and said “We don’t do this a lot in Shakespeare,” to great applause). Melissa O’Neil does her best Disney Princess, and sounds awesome on her interpretations of Katy Perry’s “Firework” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger.”

The Pantos are clearly aimed at the kids in the audience (and make no mistake, the kids had a good time), but writers Rick Miller, Carolyn Bennett, and Malcolm Clarke have included enough adult humour (which safely flies over the kids’ heads) to keep the parents happy, and more puns, Rob Ford and TTC jokes than you could hope for. (“I thought they were tunneling for a subway.” “We’ve got to let that dream die!”) Director Tracey Flye keeps the energy up and the pace moving – there’s rarely a dull moment, even during the hilarious spots for the sponsors peppered throughout – and Marc Kimelman’s energetic choreography is expertly danced by a solid ensemble.

It’s rare that we grown ups are given free license to be kids again for a few hours, but Snow White allows us to do just that. For a little over two hours, we’re encouraged to cheer the heroes and boo the villain, something I think most of us would like to do on a regular basis anyway. Snow White is a riotously good time and solid fun for the entire family. I already can’t wait for next year’s!

Snow White runs to January 5