After five years, the queen of pantomime Bonnie Lythgoe is back. The former So You Think You Can Dance judge is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of bringing ‘panto’ to Australia with a brand-new rendition of the beloved fairy tale Snow White.
BARRY’S BACK DOWN UNDER
While the entire cast list has yet to be revealed, it has been confirmed that “Doody” actor Barry Pearl from the original movie Grease will be taking to the stage. And in the best way possible – he’s set to play the Huntsman ‘Chambers’.
Chambers is a man of loyalty, sincerity and warmth. But his new allegiance to the wicked Queen after the late King’s death puts him in a heartbreaking position. He must take Snow White deep into the forest and kill her. Wicked Queen’s orders.
According to Barry, Chamber’s inner conflict between loyalty and obligation creates a dramatic tension that is palpable. “In my opinion, his journey is similar to the character Otto Hightower in HBO’s House of the Dragon,” he tells Woman’s Day.
Barry’s no stranger to the wide world of panto. He’s worked across several in the US. He says, “Snow White will be my 6th adventure with Panto, my second with Bonnie and my first with the exceedingly brilliant Christopher Wood… and down under to boot! How blessed!
He continues, “The pantos in Australia have received huge acclaim and admiration from both critics and the public combined. And I so wanted to be part of this fantastic experience.
“Bonnie has told me how fantastic the audiences are in Australia. The public really do get involved and integrate into the live performance. It’s a fabulous experience for everyone. I cannot wait to experience the power of the Oz audiences!”
PRINCE CHARMING
In a serendipitous turn of events, Joseph Spanti, who just played Danny Zuko in the latest Grease tour, will be taking on the role of the handsome prince in Snow White. Talk about perfect casting.
Of course, this fairy-tale production would be nothing without a wicked queen. And Australian musical theatre darling Debora Krizak is taking on the challenge. She will be portraying the vain, poisoned-apple-wielding queen ‘Grismalda’.
THE ‘WICKED QUEEN’
Debora has been a leading lady in a number of productions, spanning two decades. But she’s probably best known for her work in The Producers, Anything Goes, Mamma Mia, Cinderella, Billy Elliot, A Chorus Line and Sweet Charity. We can’t wait to see this sweet star transform in a wicked villain.
Bonnie said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to have Debora Krizak joining us as everyone’s favourite fairytale nemesis!”
She continued: “The beloved story of Snow White is a show for adults as much as it is for the kids, known for its interactive style and humour.
“I cannot wait to welcome back Australian audiences to boo, hiss and cheer together again.”
A ‘MAGICAL’ EXPERIENCE FOR ALL AGES
A Bonnie Lythgoe Productions panto can only be described as a ‘magical’ theatrical experience. This time, audiences can expect a rollicking mix of song, dance and good old-fashioned fun with a modern twist.
The production promises to wow the audience with spectacular sets and imaginative costumes. And if her previous productions, including Cinderella starring Jimmy Rees and Jack and the Beanstalk starring Lucy Durack offer any indication, Snow White is bound to be a sell-out success as well.
WHERE TO WATCH SNOW WHITE
Snow White was the first panto that Bonnie brought to Australia in 2014. And she’s delighted to charm audiences from ages three to 103 again with this new production.
However, this rendition of the popular fairytale, which is taking the stage at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta, is only around for a short season. The opening performance will be held on Saturday, 7 September 2024 at 2pm. And the closing takes place on Sunday, 15 September at 5pm.
Tickets start from $59. Get yours here.
