Another review for Once upon a time - this one from Ruth Allsopp for Fine Music Radio That odd British theatrical form The Pantomime is on at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg. But it is an updated version of the classic format as the title “Once upon a time – the Cyber Panto” indicates. Written by Cole Cameron, it is directed by Kyla Thorburn for the Masque Theatre Players which includes members from the four usual Masque amateur groups: MADS, the Fish Hoek Dramatic Society, Constantiaberg Players and the Claremont Dramatic Society. There are traditional aspects to the show, such as ‘songs, dance, slapstick, audience participation and a comic animal’. There are two Pantomime Dames and other interesting innovations. Storybook characters feature, but in unusual situations as part of a computer world invaded by a virus. Instead of a witch we have Virulina (a stunning Melissa Sanderson) who has poisoned the story world with a virus. The Webmaster (Shaun Browne) is distraught at this development and enlists help. Dorothy Com, known as Dot Com (Jennifer Moss) and a tamed W.W.Wolfe (an imposing Lyle Wilson) try to trace Virulina and disempower her. Jennifer Moss is attractive and intelligent as Dot Com, while Lynn Moss fills the delightful cameo role of Granny Hood – Red Riding Hood’s grandmother turned criminal. Nico Dreyer and Simon Speck are the two Dames, Widow Mac and Widow Lithium – hooked on shopping. They were both outre and amusing. Alexandra Oxley is Cinderella turned kleptomaniac, who pursues Puss in Boots (Faeron Wheeler) for his/her nifty red boots. The Three Little Pigs have become Four Little Pigs, forming the building firm the Bacon Brothers. They are a slightly sinister team. The Two Percent Cow, with delicious eyelashes, was worked by Tammy de Klerk and Mandy Cardin. Their dancing was amazingly deft. Other nursery tale characters were Humpty Dumpty and wife, Bo Peep, now a rancher cowboy, and Snow White, turned deep tan by sunbathing and played as a ‘crossover role’. With a cast of over 20 characters, plus 20 children and teens, as well as time constraints, it is impossible to mention everyone. In addition there is a group of Teletubbies who moved items and held up notices as they burbled away. The band, under the able direction of Justin Wardle, helped keep the pace flowing. The lighting, the sound, the colourful costumes, the make-up, hair and wigs were expertly done. The audience also enthusiastically played their part. Director Kyla Thorburn exercised skilful control over her cast; the dancing was simple and lively, and overall there was an excellent dynamic. However, I felt that Act 2 lost some impetus and that the whole show was about 20 minutes too long. For holiday fun, go to see “Once upon a time” presented by the Masque Theatre Players at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg, until Sunday 21 December. Book by phoning Masque Theatre Bookings.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:18:26 +0000
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