You know it’s the holiday season again when The Cultch and Theatre Replacement light up the York Theatre with its annual pantomime. This year, the show is East Van Panto: Alice in Wonderland, and we get to watch Lewis Carroll’s famous heroine adventure through East Vancouver – as seen through a Wonderland filter.
If you’ve never been to a pantomime before, it’s a lively and entertaining experience where the audience is served over-the-top comedy, and song and dance, in a localized treatment of a well-known fairy tale or other kind of familiar story. And with its references to East Van neighbourhoods and landmarks, current events, and pop culture, this panto, written by Sonja Bennett, really nails it.
The story begins in the suburbs of New Westminster, where 10-year-old Alice (Dawn Petten) leaves her home in pursuit of the White Rabbit, who’s wearing a sign that says something to the effect of “Talk to me for a free phone” (and Alice badly wants her own mobile phone).
Alice ends up going down the rabbit hole of East Van where key parts of Carroll’s story are retold with East Van flavouring, including: Alice growing/shrinking thanks to concoctions from the Booster Juice at Commercial Skytrain station; Alice attending a left-wing tea party; and Alice experiencing Wonderland, known in this case as the Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhood.
The infamous tea party and its guests. From left to right: Mark Chavez, Raugi Yu, and Dawn Petten. Photo credit: Emily Cooper
All of this is set to fun pop tunes, and great choreography by Amanda Testini. Some highlights include the full company grooving to BTS’ “Butter” at the start of the show; the Queen of Hearts – known as Jess Cheetos in this version – and her minion’s working it to Lil Nas X’s “Call Me By Your Name”; and some skillful rhythmic clogging (that’s what I call tap dancing without tap shoes, but I could be wrong) by the very talented Amanda Sum, who does a fine job in all her many roles throughout the show, including the Cheshire Cat.
As Alice, Petten is feisty and hilarious as she runs around trying to get the elusive free phone from the White Rabbit, and later trying to avoid getting her head cut off. Petten is also great at interacting with the audience, making us feel like we’re right along for the ride with her. As the villainess Jess Cheetos, Ghazal Azarbad is enjoyably badass, and owns the stage with her wicked demeanour, evil laugh, and the best part of all…her amazing singing.
Mark Chavez is also excellent in his many roles, my favourite being the Mad Hatter, where he speaks and shakes in a wonderfully characterized portrayal that kids will adore. He also compliments Azarbad well as her main minion, Duchess. Rounding out the principal cast is Raugi Yu, who nicely shows off his comedic skills as Alice’s mom, the March Hare, and in my favourite role for him – the esteemed Greta Thunberg.
At centre is Ghazal Azarbad as Jess Cheetos (this version’s Queen of Hearts); behind her from left to right: Angus Yam and Mark Chavez. Photo credit: Emily Cooper
In addition to the principal cast mentioned above – all seasoned professionals – there are three ensemble members who are currently students in Langara College’s Studio 58 program, and an ensemble of teen and pre-teen kids who I’m sure are loving the stage experience that this show is offering to them. It’s great to see a cast with such a wide range of experience sharing the stage together.
Director Meg Roe’s imaginative vision is assisted by Cindy Mochizuki’s visual concept design/illustrations, including a really cool moment when we see Alice growing and then shrinking, thanks to some creative projections, made even more effective by Sophie Tang’s lighting design. Barbara Clayden’s costuming helps bring to life the timeless Alice in Wonderland characters we know - but with some twists. In this version, Alice wears pants and snazzy boots (her boots and Jess Cheeto’s stylish shoes have been donated by John Fluevog Shoes!).
Lastly, it was such a treat to be back at the York Theatre. This venue is a gorgeous, iconic East Van landmark, with a classic proscenium stage and orchestra pit – where for this show, musical director Ben Elliott and fellow musician Barry Mirochnick keep the production abuzz with music.
As Alice, Dawn Petten (centre) leads the cast in this fun show. Photo credit: Emily Cooper
It was also nice to see so many kids enjoying the show. The first stage show I ever saw was an Easter pantomime (I specifically remember an actor in an Easter Bunny costume) when I was four. The experience introduced me to the magic of theatre, and changed my life forever. For some kids, seeing this show may also leave a lasting memory, and I think that’s amazing.
Regardless of your age, there’s much to enjoy about East Van Panto: Alice in Wonderland and I not only recommend making time to see it this holiday season, but also making it an annual tradition.
The Cultch and Theatre Replacement’s production of East Van Panto: Alice in Wonderland runs until January 2, 2022 at the York Theatre. Visit The Cultch’s website for tickets.