Groan-worthy puns, slapstick action, and ASL interpretation are featured in the Royal Canadian Theatre Company’s latest pantomime.
The Royal Canadian Theatre Company brings Knotted: Rapunzel’s Story to New West with performance at Massey Theatre Jan. 3 to 5. That includes a relaxed performance on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
After last year’s successful production of Cinderella, Kerri Norris is back again to direct what’s described as being a “toe-tapping, spectacularly entertaining show.”
“We’ve never done Rapunzel’s story before and are very excited to add our own panto twist to this classic fairytale,” said the New West resident.
Knotted: Rapunzel’s Story is a classic tale of not letting anyone hold you back in the pursuit of knowledge and experience.
“You’ll be entertained by Dame Frau Fringe, Buzz, Braids and many other characters whose names are based on hairstyles,” said a press release about the show. “Cheer Pixie Princess and ‘Boo’ Demon Dreadful as they struggle for control over Barber Academy. You’ll witness antics by Larry, Curly and Moe (get it?) in their pursuit of Rapunzel. Bring the whole family to this zany, hilarious, sing-along journey through the traditional British pantomime.”
Jodie Aguinaldo is thrilled to be playing Rapunzel in the Royal Canadian Theatre Company’s latest production.
“The people I get to work with are incredible and the memories I make each year add to the magic,” Aguinaldo said. “I am so grateful for my time here and am excited to play Rapunzel in the wintertime!”
Norris, who is also the show’s costume designer, is among several New West residents involved in this year’s production. Stephanie Bruce is the show’s production stage manager/technical director/sound design, Illya Mulji is the choreographer, Nigel Brooke is the lighting designer, Sam Brooke is the assistant lighting designer, and Stephen Elcheshen is the fight choreographer.
New Westies are also part of the cast: Stephen Elcheshen is Frau Fringe, Abigail Walkner is Princeton, Joy Faith Berry and Genevieve Gleig are in the ensemble, and Rebecca Jones is teacher.
Knotted: Rapunzel’s Story takes to the Massey Theatre stage on Friday, Jan. 3 (7:30 p.m.), Saturday, Jan. 4 (2 and 6:30 p.m.) and Sunday, Jan. 5 (2 p.m.)
Tickets are $32.25 for adults (plus service charges), $28.25 for seniors/students, and $119 for a family pack (four tickets). Discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more; call the box office at 604-521-5050.
The theatre company is excited to present more accessible options to this year’s shows in New West and Surrey thanks to a Community Prosperity grant from Surrey Cares. In addition to ASL interpretation at this year’s relaxed performances, a theatre education assistant has been brought onboard to support the company’s annual mentorship program.
“The theatre education assistant has been working to provide guidance and one-to-one assistance to children who want or need more support during rehearsals and performances. In addition, relaxed performances accommodate people with intellectual, behavioural and other challenges, with technical adjustments to make the performance easier to enjoy,” said the press release. “For pantomimes, the performers will come out at the beginning of the show to introduce themselves to ease any anxiety and explain anything scary for the kids before the production begins. Tickets for the relaxed performances are offered at half price.”
