Puss In Boots
It’s Pantomime time, and the first to open this year is Wanneroo Repertory’s Puss in Boots. Having been on the planner and delayed for a couple of years, it has finally reached the stage - the final production before the Limelight’s big renovation.
A cast of 31 performers bring this traditional pantomime to life, and it features some standout performers.
Principal Boy, the Miller’s stepson, is played earnestly by Zavier Wileman, working well with Principal Girl. Princess Esmerelda, sweet of face and voice as played by Zoe Anderson. They are not served well by the choice of their “romantic” song Spamalot’s “The Song That Goes Like This” which despite their great efforts is written for different voice and character types.
The title role, Puss in Boots, is played by Beau Poole, who gives Puss beautiful balletic style as well as a clever edge - almost Drag in style.
There is nothing like a Dame, and Chris McCafferty is putting 100% into his performance as Queen Wendy the Won’t. Partner King Wally the Once is nicely played by RJ Smolders, although he also struggles to sing his chosen song.
Comedic breaks are provided by Jack’s stepbrothers played with commitment by Isaac McCauley and Jason Pearce, their love interests nicely played by Sarah McDonald and Eleanor Mulder, young performer Luis Proctor plays the Royal Page with efficiency, while Joanne Anderson and James Low make the most of smaller roles and Kyra Havel makes a lovely cameo as Little Fairy Phoebe,
Musical Director Madeleine Innes has clearly worked well with a cast of varying ages and strengths, and the team of choreographers have created varied choreography with the same challenges.
Director Shelly McGinn’s costume design is colourful and “pantomimey” although lacks an overall unity and style, and Dave Browning has given us a bright and functional set. The show doesn’t run as swiftly as it could, with gaps for scene changes that may have been reduced with more judicious use of the traveller curtain or more moments of audience interaction. The Queen’s final audience singalong sets us up for a big wedding transformation which never happens, which is a little disappointing.
Despite some lack of polish and pace, this is a fun show that was clearly enjoyed by the audience who walked out humming the tunes. A great way to kick off your holiday season.
Kimberley Shaw
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