ST. JACOBS – Drayton Entertainment’s family panto tradition returns for the holidays with an unforgettable take on the popular story of Peter Pan.
With the original five-week run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31 virtually sold out before opening night, the production has been extended to meet demand for tickets. An additional eight performances have been added to the schedule from Jan. 2 to Jan. 7.
“Peter Pan: The Panto is a timeless tale that appeals to everyone,” Drayton Entertainment artistic director Alex Mustakas said in a press release.
“Audiences of all ages will be swept away by the magic, mischief, and wonder of it all, it’s the perfect family event,” he said.
In the grand British tradition where audiences cheer the hero and boo the villain, Peter Pan: The Panto boasts a combination of musical numbers, slapstick comedy, outrageous costumes, audience participation, and a dash of theatrical magic.
Peter Pan: The Panto is helmed by director and choreographer David Connolly, who is credited with several past Drayton Entertainment hits including popular pantos Sleeping Beauty, Wizard of Oz, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Cinderella, among others.
The cast includes Lia Luz as Peter Pan, Andrew Scanlon as the villainous Captain Hook, Stephanie Pitsiladis as Smee and Zoë Brown as Wendy.
Drayton Entertainment has also engaged youth performers who appear in the show on a rotating schedule throughout the run alongside the professional company.
All traditional pantos include audience participation. Families and young spectators are encouraged to join in the fun by cheering, booing and singing along with familiar songs.
Written by Caroline Smith, the production is based on the famous play by J.M. Barrie that tells the timeless story of Peter Pan and the enchanting adventures in Never Land.
Peter Pan: The Panto is on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from Nov. 29 to Jan. 7.
Regular performance tickets are $55 for adults, $34 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select discount dates and groups of 20 or more are $45, and small groups of 10-19 are $50.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866, or online at draytonentertainment.com.
