FVGSS A Musical Theatre Company kicks off this year’s Christmas pantomime season with an enduring favourite, featuring an entire score of evergreen hits from the ’70s.
Cinderella continues tonight (Nov. 29) at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage of Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Ave., followed by 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday (Nov. 30) and Sunday (Dec. 1).
Other performances in the brief run of the show – guaranteed to entertain with its energetic cast of newcomers, panto veterans and young, but already familiar, players – are at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4, 5 and 6; plus 2:30 p.m. matinees on Dec. 7 and 8.
Inspiring this year’s effort – from a script by James Barry – is veteran FVGSS panto director and performer Mike Balser, with invaluable help from fellow veteran Timothy Tucker as musical director, and choreography team head Kailley Roesler and her assistant Sydney Pauhl.
Starring as the cinder-stained waif of the title is strong singing talent Melanie Mercer, with Amanda Drebot waiting in the wings as her Prince Charming.
Rosie Forst returns as the Fairy Godmother who ensures – with a few waves of a magical wand – that Cinderella will attend the ball after all.
And, in a notable switch, longtime White Rock Players Club panto dame extraordinaire Bryce Paul Mills joins the FVGSS team this year as one of the infamous stepsisters, duelling with fellow-dame Angel Duran Heon for comedy honours.
As always, the story is given dimension by the presence of two very supportive supporting characters; Cinderella’s loyal friend Buttons (Jesse Redmond) and the prince’s major-domo Dandini (Erin Mulcahy).
Bringing experience and comedic flair to the roles of Cinderella’s wicked stepmother and her put-upon husband, the Baron, are popular FVGSS players Juliana Peralta and Adrian Duncan.
Tickets are available online at fvgss.org or at tickets.surrey.ca or, by phone, at 604-501-5566.