At this time of year, Santa separates the naughty from the nice. Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre does the same with their holiday panto, which offers a Nice version — usually in the afternoon, it’s perfect for families – and a Naughty version, that’s filled with double entendres and is suitable for adults looking for some risqué evening fun.
This year’s Santa-stic vehicle is Jack – A Beanstalk Panto, a creative and emphatically modern take on the classic fairy tale. Written and directed by Rebecca Northan, the production blends traditional panto elements and modern sensibilities, making it an ideal holiday outing for young and old.
But be warned: the version you choose to attend may also speak to where you line up on Santa’s list! The choice has consequences – especially if you are bringing guests. I’m ashamed to say that I took my 88-year-old mother (who is a lovely, proper and traditional grandmother) to the naughty show. My rationale started with the question, “Well, how naughty can it really be?” Answer: quite naughty – if you find verbal and visual double entendres, and straight-up body humour / bawdy humour naughty – as my mother did.
With that said, let me reassure you that the show is creative and fun, and it has a lot to recommend it, especially if you pick the right version! (Clearly, my judgment has less to recommend it . . . but more on that in a moment.)
At its core, pantomime, or panto, is a form of musical comedy traditionally associated with the holiday season. Originating in the United Kingdom, pantos are known for their interactive style and humor, plus their blend of contemporary, local elements with a traditional narrative. Audience participation is encouraged – actually, it’s required by a panto’s larger-than-life performers, who crash through the theatrical fourth wall by appealing directly to the audience and feeding off their boos, cheers and shouted comments. From 1996 to 2022, the Greater Toronto Area was spoiled by the Ross Petty pantos, which were a Toronto holiday fixture every December. The Capitol has capably picked up that torch, delivering their own memorable holiday panto silliness.
Northan’s Jack – A Beanstalk Panto is set in a café named Beanie in Port Hope. Jack, short for Jacqueline (an energetic and winning Zoë O’Connor), is a compassionate barista with a healthy take on current social issues, including gender and pronouns. She is also struggling with real-world issues like the exorbitant cost of rent in Port Hope. Jack’s boss Pearson (Paul Constable) owns the cafe and – not a surprise – is far less enlightened. As the show’s scenery-chewing villain, he does a great job whipping the audience into a booing, catcalling frenzy with his unenlightened comments, his cozy relationship with Doug Ford, and his ruthless business practices, which include forcing Jack to sell the cow that has provided the café’s milk (something which she will do, for magic beans . .. and we know the rest). Constable basks in the boos and unleashes his quips with gusto and panache. And once Jack has made it to the top of the eventual beanstalk, there, once again, is Constable – but now, with the aid of platform shoes and great sound effects, he is playing the show’s other villain, the Giant.
Now if you’re wondering how the slender tale of Jack and the Beanstalk is stretched out sufficiently to require an intermission, well, I wondered the same thing. And the answer is: the second half opens with a memorable and protracted interactive musical excursion. It stars the Giant’s chickens, only one of which is the hen that lays golden eggs. I rolled my eyes at first, but I must admit that the sequence proved to be a lot of fun. Christy Bruce, as the Giant’s Housekeeper, directs the audience interaction here with a winning balance of exasperation and good (if dry) humour. And this segment proved critical in redeeming me from “naughty” to “nice” son, for my mother singled it out as her favorite best part of the show.
Interestingly, once we’re past this excursion, the show pretty much leaves behind panto interactivity. The booing and catcalling simply . . . stop, even when the villain(s) appear. At least it did on the evening we attended. And when it’s time to resolve the plot after everyone climbs back down the beanstalk to Beanie’s, Northam’s script zags left to find inspiration in The Wizard of Oz (which has itself been panto-ized once or twice).
The cast — which also includes Madison Hayes-Crook, Robbie Fenton, Clea McCaffrey, Hal Wesley Rogers, and Steve Ross playing multiple roles — bring consistently energetic performances to the stage. Each actor contributes to the lively spirit of the show, with particular praise for Steve Ross’ dual role. Showcasing his full comedic prowess, Ross plays Beanie customer Gus in the first half and Harp in the second half (yes, he plays an unforgettable living version of the Giant’s golden harp).
The creative team, including music director and arranger Chris Barillaro, choreographer Hollywood Jade, set and props designer Anna Treusch, costume designer Joyce Padua, and lighting designer Nick Andison, has done an admirable job of creating a fresh, energetic ambience. And as it always does, the Capitol Theatre itself, with its intimate historical setting, adds an additional layer of charm to the experience.
In summary, Jack – A Beanstalk Panto is a sometimes-surprising and never-dull success that captures the essence of traditional pantomime while infusing it with relevance and humour. The talented cast and creative team, under Northan’s skillful direction, have created a show that is not only entertaining but also reflective of contemporary GTA 2023 issues, making it a must-see this holiday season in Port Hope.
But please don’t forget: Santa is making a list and checking it twice. He’s going to find out who’s naughty and nice. So even though my mother forgave me for my poor judgment, do yourself a favor and keep yourself on his “nice” list by trusting the accuracy of the Naughty and Nice show descriptors and picking the one that best suits your party.
Jack – A Beanstalk Panto is on stage until December 23, 2023. Visit capitoltheatre.com for tickets.
© Scott Sneddon, Sesayarts Magazine, 2023
