Holiday Panto Returns to Korda!
Korda’s traditional December family offering is an original holiday panto that gives a fresh take on a familiar tale. This year, producers are dusting off a Korda classic with Hansel und Gretel: Behind the Gingerbread! This super-fun spin on the classic tale is told in the style of a trashy daytime talk show (think old school Jerry Springer), with “commercials” thrown in for good fun. Expect silliness for the kids, naughty jokes for the grown-ups, bad drag, great music, magic, mayhem, and loads of audience participation for everyone in a goofy, delightful, all-ages musical production to close out Korda’s 21st Season in style!
The show, previously staged at The KordaZone Theatre in 2009 and again in 2014, features a book and lyrics by Tracey B. Atin, Jeff Marontate, and the late Terry B. Ware. The music is by the late Robert Godden. This time around, the production is directed by Mark Worsley and features some additional writing and “commercial” updates by Eric Miinch. Musical direction is provided by Cavelle Doucet-Lefebvre, with choreography by Bo Dominguez. The show’s producers are Korda Board member Kimberley Babb, and Korda Founder Tracey B. Atin.
The cast features Aria Talbot-Benvenuto (Gretel), Eliot Grona (Hansel), Roxanne Tellier (The Witch), Bo Dominguez (The Host), Brooke Hayes (Cherry Springer Spaniel), Karen Tompkins (Herr Isanford), John Shellhorn (Baroness Bitsy), and boasts an ensemble that includes Hannah Gault, Allison Still (also Maleficent), Kaylee Blair MacArthur, Miley Watts, Nico Lunansky, Lucy Deschamps, Maximus Burgess, and Georgina Burgess.
A holiday panto, or pantomime, is a theatrical performance that typically takes place around the winter holidays and is based on a well-known children’s story or fairy tale. Pantos are a British tradition dating back to the 18th century and are known for being entertaining for the whole family. Korda has been presenting a holiday panto since 2005. Of Korda’s holiday tradition, the Windsor Star says, “… the wink-winking and nudge-nudging will be family-friendly. Adults can enjoy the double entendres, but the slapstick and sight gags are fun for all ages.”
Hansel und Gretel: Behind the Gingerbread! opens a two-week run on December 5, with performances also running December 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2024. Evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m., and matinee shows begin at 2:00 p.m. All performances are at The KordaZone Theatre, at 2520 Seminole Street in Windsor. Tickets are $20 (General Admission), $15 (Students & Seniors), and $65 (Family 4-Pack – minimum 4 tickets required). Tickets are available at the door, one hour before performances, or online in advance.
