A New Westminster teen is starring in this year’s holiday panto at Metro Theatre.
Snow White – a.k.a. “the fairest panto in the land” – is taking to the stage Dec. 3 to Jan. 3, with New West’s own Scotia Browner in the title role.
Browner, a student at New Westminster Secondary School, stars alongside James Walker as The Dame. They’re joined by a cast of 15 singers, dancers and actors – including another New West performer, Gillian Myers, who appears as the Prince’s Squire.
“Snow White has been loved by many, for many years now. I felt it was an important piece of history that needed updating,” director Chris Adams said in a press release.
Adams and writer Erik Gow have updated the classic story to tell the tale of Snow White’s journey through a new, modern lens.
“While still setting the story in the age of the Grimms’ fairy tale, this Snow White wants to be more than just a princess; she wants love and hope and fun. She is a little spunky, fiery, but still a little in love,” Adams said.
Audiences can expect the usual cast of characters – the Evil Queen, the Magic Mirror and an odd selection of dwarfs – along with the slapstick gags and audience participation that are at the heart of panto.
The theatre has COVID-19 protocols in place, including a requirement for proof of vaccination and for masks in the theatre. Because of COVID, audiences will not be invited up to the stage after any performance for a cast signing, selfies or autographs.
But Adams is thrilled to be able to present a holiday panto once again this year.
“COVID-19 has been hard on the arts community. I am so happy to welcome both artists and audience back to the theatre – especially to the panto,” Adams said.
The show is choreographed by Suzanne Ouellette, with musical direction by Katie-Rose Connors and stage management by Kat Palmer. It’s produced by Alison Schamberger.
IN A NUTSHELL:
What: Snow White, the holiday pantomime, presented by Metro Theatre
Where: Metro Theatre, 1370 Southwest Marine Dr., Vancouver
When: Dec. 3 to 22. Evening performances (Dec 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 30) at 7:30 p.m.; afternoon shows (Dec 5, 12, 19, 26, 27 and Jan 1, 2, 3) at 2 p.m. Preview Dec. 2. Director’s talk Dec. 10. Relaxed performance on Saturday, Dec. 11.
Tickets: Prices start at $30 for adults, or $25 for children under 16. Preview performance $25. Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 604-266-7191 or purchased online.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca.
