There’s no tragedy this holiday season
The British call it pantomime season. It’s that time of year again when the family-friendly theatre options multiply and serious adult theatre is put on the back burner. During this pre-Christmas shifting of gears, silly goes legit and comedy kicks tragedy into the wings.
In Montreal, the options include an array of works in either French or English.
In English, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, with Christmas carols added, just opened at the Rialto Theatre. At Centaur Theatre, Geordie Productions is presenting Paula Wing’s adaptation of Robin Hood. And at the Village Theatre in Hudson, the “beloved annual pantomime” Puss in Boots, directed by Mary Vuorela, opened Friday night.
In French, there’s Pinocchio, presented by Théâtre Tout à Trac at the Cinquième Salle of Place des Arts, plus La lune est à moi, presented by Théâtre de l’Avant-Pays at Maison Théâtre, and the highly anticipated musical Geronimo Stilton dans le royaume de la fantaisie, based on the adventures of a literary mouse, at the Monument National. For those who wish to transcend language through dance, there’s always The Nutcracker, presented by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens at Place des Arts (see story above).
Even the most television-addicted children can get excited about live theatre. But not all shows are equally likely to capture their imaginations.
This year’s musical version of A Christmas Carol, adapted by Barry O’Connell, at the Rialto is an improvement over the inaugural version simply because it’s presented in a smaller room, the Rialto Hall, as opposed to the main theatre. But this in-house production is essentially an adoption of an amateur/ semi-pro troupe currently led by a neophyte director (Stephen Vincelli). There is an experienced musical director (Chris Barillaro) at the piano. And the performers are enthusiastic. James Milvain is a fairly credible Scrooge, although he was much better in the Hudson Music Club’s The Drowsy Chaperone. Peter Cook, a familiar face with the Lakeshore Players, bears the chains of Marley.
Older children familiar with Dickens may enjoy this show along with their par- ents and grandparents, who will be happily humming along with the Christmas carols.
But Geordie Productions’ Robin Hood is a much better bet, as it is fully professional with high production standards, including a beautiful set and costumes. The fight scenes are terrific. There are some fine performances from the likes of Greg Kramer (the sheriff) and Susan Glover (the queen). Actor James Loye is irresistible as the sort-of bad guy Prince John. But Wing’s adaptation has lulls in the narrative momen- tum that lose the attention of small children. The 10-to-16 age group should stick with it, particularly if they’re already familiar with the Robin Hood legend. But it’s nostalgic adults who are likely to enjoy this show the most.
In English:
A Christmas Carol, adapted from Charles Dickens, continues at the Rialto Theatre Hall, 5723 Parc Ave., until Dec. 23. Call 514-770-7773 or visit www.rialtotheatre.ca.
Robin Hood, by Paula Wing, continues at Centaur Theatre, 453 St. François Xa- vier St. in Old Montreal, until Sunday. Call 514-845-9810 or 514-288-3161 or visit www. geordie.ca.
Puss in Boots, by Lorraine Mason, continues at Hudson Village Theatre in Hudson until Jan. 6. Call 450-458-5361; visit www.villagetheatre.ca. In French:
Pinocchio opens Dec. 22 and continues until Dec. 30 at Place des Arts. Call 514-8422112 or visit pda.qc.ca.
La lune est à moi!, by Marie-Luce Maupetit, continues at Maison Théâtre, 245 Ontario St. E., until Jan. 5. Call 514-288-7211, Local 1 or visit www.maisontheatre.com.
Geronimo Stilton dans le royaume de la fantaisie opens Dec. 26 and continues until Dec. 30 at the Monument National, 1182 St. Laurent Blvd. Call 514-871-2224 or visit www.legrandspectaclegeronimostilton.com.