The (Almost) Totally True Story of Hansel and Gretel is a musical fairy-tale mashup of beloved albeit fractured storybook characters. Driftwood Theatre School’s all-youth cast of 27 young actors (aged seven to 15) offers a hilarious alternative spin on traditional fairy tales.
Hansel and Gretel are not innocent waifs, but criminal masterminds on the run from a pair of English bobbies. The beleaguered fairy godmother Streptococcus is plagued by a malfunctioning wand, an ogre wants to audition for the role of Snow White, and Girl Guide Goldilocks is out to win her leg-breaking badge.
“This is a witty, wonky play with universal appeal,” said director Ingrid Bilton. “Although this is the youngest cast we’ve ever worked with, the actors are talented beyond belief! Not only are they fearless on stage and bursting with character, but they know where the funny is.”
Four shows run May 4, 5 and 6 at Heritage Playhouse. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth, available at share-there.com and the Sechelt Visitor Centre, Laedeli, The Blackberry Shop and Giggle ‘n Bloom. See more on Facebook and www.driftwoodplayers.ca/dts.htm.
– JoAnne Bennison
