Ya gotta love any production that encourages the audience to boo the bad guys. I love booing the bad guys.
And that was certainly one aspect that kept me entertained at People’s Light and Theatre’s production, “Snow White: A Musical Panto,” which runs through Jan. 3 at the Malvern theater.
And here I thought Panto was the Lone Ranger’s sidekick. Turns out a panto is part fractured fairy tale and part variety show. Who knew?
And the talented folks at People’s Light are an absolute hoot in this show, which in the true spirit of a Bullwinkle cartoon, appeals to both children and adults.
I’m not a theater critic. I go to shows to be entertained, not to look for flaws in performances. And this “Snow White” entertained me as much as I’ve ever been entertained in a theater. Younger Daughter was with me on this excursion and she is involved in theater arts at her high school. She, too, gave this show high marks.
While all the performers were brilliant, my favorites were Pierre the personal chef, played by Christopher Patrick Mullen, and Miles the butler, played by Chris Faith. Those guys cracked me up every time they appeared on stage. I’d like to go out on the town with those two guys, but only if they stayed in character. Younger Daughter liked the movie director Vladimir Von Upchuck, played by Jeff Coon, and George the gardener, played by Dustin Karrat.
Of course, Regina Valo (the Wicked Queen) played by Lois Sach Binder, was extremely boo-able, which I quite enjoyed. If I was an actor, I’d want to play the villain. It looks like so much fun, and Ms. Binder nailed it.
If you haven’t experienced People’s Light, you should do so. It’s a fabulous local treasure and I’ve never seen a bad show there. And “Snow White: A Musical Panto” is s great way to experience People’s Light.
Laughing all night long and booing the bad guys. It really doesn’t get any better than that.

Labels: Chris Faith, Christopher Patrick Mullen, Dustin Karrat, Jeff Coon, Lois Sach Binder, Lone Ranger, Mike Morsch, Montgomery Newspapers, Outta Leftfield, People's Light and Theatre, Snow White

Every once in a while, I am fortunate enough to get a peek behind the curtain. Such was the case last weekend when I got to meet two of my favorite Hollywood types. Jill Hennessy, star of television hits like “Law & Order” and “Crossing Jordan,” was at World Café Live in Philadelphia to promote her debut CD and David Strathairn, who was nominated for an Academy Award as best actor for his portrayal of Edward R. Murrow in the George Clooney-directed film “Good Night, and Good Luck” in 2005, is currently starring in the lead role of “Nathan The Wise” at People’ Light and Theatre in Malvern through Oct. 11. I had interviewed both for separate preview stories and was fortunate enough to attend both performances and meet the stars on consecutive evenings last weekend. First let me say that both World Café Live and People’s Light are two extraordinary entertainment venues to have in our area and we who live around here should take full advantage of what each has to offer. The Blonde Accountant and I got to spend some time chatting with Ms. Hennessy and her husband Paolo Mastropietro before the show at World Café Live. Ms. Hennessy was pleasant and gracious and was very approachable to her fans. And not many know this, but she started her career as a singer/songwriter before going into television and movies. Her voice is quite pleasing and her songs are thought-provoking. Mr. Strathairn is a serious actor. The play itself was fabulous and the entire cast, led by Mr. Strathairn, was highly skilled and professional. You should get out to see the play at People’s Light before the end of the run. The Blonde Accountant and I got to meet Mr. Strathairn after the show. He lives in New York now, but said he was enjoying his time in the Philadelphia area. He, too, was gracious and accommodating and we appreciated that he took the time to visit with us for a bit. Two nights, two stars, two different experiences. There is a reason these two Hollywood types don’t show up on the pages of the tabloids. They both stuck me as class personified. It was a pleasure to meet them and witness their work up close.

Labels: David Strathairn, Jill Hennessy, Mike Morsch, Montgomery Newspapers, Outta Leftfield, People's Light and Theatre